THE KEYS OF TOLEDO:
The music of the Sephardic Jews
Performance language: Ladino with German and English surtitles
Concept and text: Martin Valdés-Stauber
Composition: Evgeni Orkin
Alexandra Chatzopoulou-Saia (Thessaloniki), actress
Janet and Jak Esim Ensemble (Istanbul)
Daniel Grossmann, conductor
JEWISH
In 1492, the Sephardic Jews were expelled from Spain. As they fled, many Jewish families took the keys to their houses with them. A symbol of their home and the hope of one day returning. To this day, there are families who still possess such keys. For centuries, Sephardic Judaism preserved its traditions. This legacy was nearly wiped out within a few months during the Holocaust.
TODAY
Sephardic Jews have a unique history: They have lived in both Muslim and Christian countries, absorbing and passing on influences. This also applies to their music. Together with the Sephardic Esim family of musicians from Istanbul and actress Alexandra Chatzopoulou-Saia, a descendant of Holocaust survivors from Thessaloniki, the JCOM demonstrates what this cultural wealth means for our present.
FOR ALL
With "The Keys of Toledo," the JCOM explores the history of Sephardic Judaism. Along with their language, Ladino, their music was crucial for Sephardic Jews living abroad to preserve their shared identity. Experience this music resounding anew in bright colors!
A project of the Jewish Chamber Orchestra Munich in cooperation with:
Esim Ensemble Istanbul, Schauspiel Hannover, Münchner Kammerspiele, Lübeck University of Music, Thalia Theater Hamburg, Goethe-Institutes Thessaloniki and Madrid, Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki Concert Hall, Instituto Cervantes, Royal Spanish Academy of Language, Centro Sefarad Madrid, Teatro Joven Madrid Foundation, Auditorio Nacional Madrid, Artistic Research Field “Memory as Work on the Present”, Käte Hamburger Kolleg global dis:connect
The project is funded by the Foundation for Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ) and the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) as part of the Nazi Injustice Education Agenda.
From the 2025-26 season, the JCOM will be the 'Orchestra in Residence' at the Munich Kammerspiele.
