The Last Musician of Auschwitz is a documentary film that tells the story of Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, a cellist who survived Auschwitz, and other musicians who played and created music within the concentration camp during the Holocaust. The film reveals how music served as a form of resistance, a way to cope with unimaginable horrors, and a means of bearing witness to the atrocities. It also features new interpretations of musical works composed by camp inmates.

As part of Violins of Hope: Wisconsin, presented by Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, this 90-minute film, directed by Toby Trackman, includes interviews with Anita Lasker-Wallfisch — the only surviving member of the women’s orchestra at Auschwitz — as well as archival footage and reflections on loss, longing, and cultural memory.

The screening will be followed by a talkback with the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center (HERC).

Presented by the Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC’s Milwaukee Jewish Film Festival, in partnership with Jewish Museum Milwaukee and the Holocaust Education Resource Center. Part of the Violins of Hope – Wisconsin residency presented by the Milwaukee Symphony Youth Orchestra.