“‘…only I never saw another butterfl y…’ Voices of the Holocaust”

2022 UN Holocaust remembrance program

By Bella Gutshtein

As I was leisurely walking on a busy New York City street some 27 years ago, enjoying my time out from a demanding schedule, my eyes were drawn to a book displayed in a window. I felt compelled to buy this work although I would be reluctant to open it, knowing what it held inside.

I knew, however, that one day, this book would help to transform the seeds of hate into blossoms of hope.

One seed was planted long ago, when I would hear stories of pogroms from my father, who was born and raised in the Ukraine.

Another seed was planted when I and fellow Conservatory students snuck into the Leningrad Philharmonic Grand Hall to witness the premiere of Shostakovich’s 14th Symphony, “Babi Yar.”

Yet another seed was planted when I heard, “Jew, go back to where you belong!”

The seeds continued to be planted in the fertile soil of hatred until the day I left the Soviet Union, where I had been born and raised.

Then, years later, as I finally opened the book, “Yes, We Sang – Songs of the Ghettos and Concentration Camps,” by Shoshana Kalish, my time had come to plant another kind of seed…

It has taken 12 years for this seed to grow into the musical production that, with the participation of my husband, violinist Boris Sandler, musicians from the Naples Philharmonic and members of our community, debuted in 2005 at Edison Community College as part of the commemoration of Yom Ha Shoa.

Since that time, the work continues to evolve as the venue and performers change and as we strive to keep alive the spirit of those who perished and honor all of those who survived against all odds.

This new seed, bearing hope and love, has grown into a beautiful tree of courage and resilience. This tree has witnessed both the making of new friends and the letting go of old ones, when, with heavy hearts, we said goodbye to our friend, survivor Abe Price, who for many years, was an ardent supporter and participant in the program.

Our involvement of children has been one of the more memorable facets of our growth, as they serve as a reminder of the inherent good that persists, even in the hardest of times.

On Jan. 30, we will once again present a new production to commemorate UN Holocaust Remembrance Day. This program will pay special tribute to the youngest victims of the Shoa as well as to artists and musicians who performed while imprisoned. This production will feature Naples musicians; members of the community, including children; and the newly formed Chamber Orchestra – Camerata of Naples.

Although I personally did not suffer any loses of my immediate family to the Holocaust, I feel that what I have been doing all these years is simply what my duties as a musician and human being have demanded of me. And the tree blooms on….

The 2022 UN Holocaust remembrance program, “‘…only I never saw another butterfly…’ Voices of The Holocaust,” will take place at St. John’s Episcopal Church located at 500 Park Shore Dr. on Jan. 30 at 4 p.m.

Reservations are suggested. RSVP by calling 239-596-8404 or email cn@cameratanaples.org.