Likht Ensemble - The Shoah Songbook

Part of the JCC Chamber Music Series.

The Shoah Songbook is an ongoing exploration of music composed in the ghettos of the Second World War, with a focus on works from Eastern European Jewry.

This poignant and powerful duo showcases the artistry of soprano Jaclyn Grossman and pianist/composer Nate Ben-Horin, the founders of the Likht (ליכט, “light”) Ensemble. Dedicated to uncovering and revitalizing music by Jewish composers extinguished by the Holocaust, the ensemble brings to light voices that history sought to silence. Through a blend of historical research and deep artistic interpretation, Grossman and Ben-Horin are reclaiming a cultural legacy nearly lost to time—reviving music that speaks with haunting beauty and enduring truth.

Their recital series, The Shoah Songbook, is an ongoing exploration of music composed in the ghettos of the Second World War, with a focus on works from Poland, Lithuania, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Featuring themes of springtime, dreams, longing, and resistance, these compositions combine lyrical beauty with biting irony and devastating truth. Each performance is more than a concert—it’s an act of remembrance, a call for resilience, and a celebration of Jewish creativity in the face of unimaginable adversity. Since its inception, the ensemble has performed across North America, forging a growing reputation for scholarly rigor and heartfelt storytelling.

This program is part of the JCC Chamber Music Series.