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Meet the Author

April 4, 2024
6:45 pm

Janet Horvath | The Cello Still Sings—A Generational Story of the Holocaust and of the Transformative Power of Music

 

NOTE: @Caspe Terrace | 33158 Ute Avenue | Waukee, IA

Janet Horvath’s new book, The Cello Still Sings, A Generational Story of the Holocaust and of the Transformative Power of Music, has been named one of the 100 best Independently published books of 2023 by Kirkus Reviews. An innocent question about music leads to the revelation that the author’s father played 200 morale-building concerts in the displaced persons camps of Bavaria after World War II, two of which were with Maestro Leonard Bernstein. It is the clue that leads to unravelling the past. This true story is a vivid and fast-paced recounting of the decades of silence and deeply hidden secrets, the consequences of trauma, and the quest for truth through the spiritual sustenance and power of music. Her work has been described by reviewers as “lyrical,” “gripping,” “entertaining,” and “a heartfelt story vividly and powerfully told.”

.Janet’s memoir of the Holocaust is deeply personal and illuminating. Through humor and colorful storytelling, she weaves her parents’ life into her own and captures the intensity of their life experiences. The lingering scars are healed through the sustenance and power of music, and their music-making unites people from generation to generation.  This event is free and open to the public.  Reservations are appreciated at: info@jewishdesmoines.org

A lifelong performing classical musician, as the associate principal cello of the Minnesota Orchestra from 1980-2012, Janet Horvath is a writer, anti-racism spokesperson, and advocate for injury prevention for musicians. She has performed in recital, chamber music, and as soloist with orchestras throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, and has given masterclasses and seminars for orchestras and conservatories from coast to coast. She has appeared on CBC, BBC, and NPR radio stations, and PBS television and is a popular guest speaker, live and on podcasts.

Her first book Playing (less) Hurt – An Injury Prevention Guide for Musicians received international critical acclaim, winning a gold IPPY award in 2009.

The Cello Still Sings—A Generational Story of the Holocaust and of the Transformative Power of Music, her new book, is a vivid, moving, and true story of personal discovery that reads like a mystery story. When she’s not playing or writing she’s cooking up her mother’s Hungarian recipes!

Janet’s other publications include for The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, and numerous music magazines. She completed her Master of Music degree from Indiana University, and her MFA in creative writing from Hamline University, in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Beaverdale Books will have copies available for sale and signing.

This event is cohosted by the Iowa Jewish Historical Society. 

 

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