PLAYING FOR THEIR LIVES BIRKENAU'S WOMEN'S ORCHESTRA

Historian Anne Sebba reveals how dozens of female Jews and political prisoners were forced to perform for the Nazis, and their fellow inmates, in the shadow of a genocide

- WORDS LOUIS HARDIMAN

In 1943, the SS officers of Birkenau ordered the formation of a women's orchestra. By playing marching music, the orchestra would help the forced labourers to form up each morning and evening for counting. They later gave weekly performances for Nazi officers, who would also summon individuals for solo performances.

After a rocky start under the first conductor, the talented conductor and violinist Alma Rosé stepped in. She brought together her mismatched band of mandolins, violins, piccolos, flutes and minimal bass instruments - whatever could be salvaged from the inmates' stolen belongings stored in the 'Kanada' warehouses - to create music that would save the members' lives.

Here, History of War speaks with Anne Sebba about her book The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz, which draws on archival research and exclusive accounts to reveal the orchestra's full story. Describing the book's aim, Sebba says: "I want [the orchestra members'] names, faces and backstories to be remembered." In her interview, Sebba discusses how the orchestra developed under Rosé, performed despite the never-ending carnage, and forever changed its members’ relationship with music.

Why did an orchestra emerge from Birkenau Women’s Camp?

The first female inhabitants of Birkenau Women’s Camp were Polish resisters and then Slovaks. Because they were there early, you might assume they wouldn't survive the war. However, many organised decent jobs in offices because they were well-educated. The Nazis, especially the female guards, were overwhelmed by the sudden influx into Birkenau before it was finished. That’s why so many women had to go off in demolition squads while the Nazis were expanding the camp.