On Tuesday 28th October, the Philharmonia Chorus sang Leonard Bernstein's Kaddish Symphony No. 3 in a sold out performance at the Barbican.

Kelly Nassief (soprano), Samuel Pisar (narrator), Trinity Boys Choir, Philharmonia Chorus, Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by John Axelrod.

The dramatic and artistically challenging piece was performed as part of the Kaddish Commemorative Concert presented by the Beth Shalom Holocaust Centre in aid of the Aegis Trust.

The performance marked the 70th anniversary of Kristallnacht and saw the UK premier of Samuel Pisar's moving version of the narration, which details his personal experience of the Holocaust as a child in the concentration camps of Auschwitz, Maidanek and Dachau.

'Having performed Bernstein's Kaddish with many choirs around the world, I can say with great sincerity how much a pleasure it was to work with the world class group that is the Philharmonia Chorus. The professionalism, preparation, balance, tonality, sheer energy and joy of singing was evident throughout the rehearsals and concert at the Barbican, and I do believe that the success of that performance was inextricably linked to the high quality that the chorus presented. There are many choirs that declare themselves to be great. The Philharmonia Chorus need not declare; they simply are.' - John Axelrod