03/08/2007
Liverpool to host Holocaust memorial event
LIVERPOOL is to stage the national commemoration event for Holocaust Memorial Day next year.
It will be held at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Sunday 27 January - the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp at the end of the Second World War.
Events to mark Holocaust Memorial Day - ranging from civic ceremonies to theatre performances - are held all over the country culminating in the national commemoration event. In Liverpool, two weeks of performances and exhibitions, involving hundreds of school students and community groups will be staged leading up to 27 January.
Christine Shaw, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, said: "Liverpool has been chosen to host the national UK event in 2008 as the eyes of Europe will be on the city as it celebrates Capital of Culture. There is no better place for this significant event to be held this year than Liverpool."
The National Holocaust Memorial Day has been held every year since its inception in 2001. The United Nations designated 27th January as International Holocaust Memorial Day.
The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Paul Clark, said: "We should never forget the victims of the Holocaust
HMD also allows us to remember more recent victims in places such as, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
"Thousands of visitors will be descending on Liverpool in 2008 to help us celebrate European Capital of Culture. It is worth remembering that the European ideal of co-operation and partnership was forged out of the desire that the horrendous atrocities following two world wars. I think it is appropriate we take time out from our celebrations and to reflect on the evils of prejudice and intolerance and the millions who have died from persecution."
The National Holocaust Memorial Day event at the Liverpool Philharmonic is expected to involve music, readings and performances from young people to holocaust survivors, attended by some of the country's leading politicians and religious leaders.
Christine Shaw added: "The theme for next year is Imagine, Remember, Reflect, React. Holocaust Memorial Day is an issue for everyone. The lessons of the Holocaust have implications for us all. It is an opportunity for people today to reflect and consider how those horrific events more than 60 years ago have relevance for all members of today's society.
"Progress has been made, however hate crimes and attacks on people because of their race, their sexuality, disability or religion continue to take place. The National Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us all of our responsibility to protect our civil and human rights."
Michael Elliott, Chief Executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, said: "In the spirit of collaboration, remembrance and reconciliation, the Liverpool Phil is honoured to play our part, in association with other artists, partners and agencies in hosting this programme of events to honour National Holocaust Memorial Day.
"Our own contribution to the wider programme in the lead-up to 27 January, under the banner of 'Culture Denied' will focus on denied music themes including Klezmer and gypsy music and will involve musicians of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and collaborations with and residencies in the City with artists and musicians from Serbia, Rwanda and the Congo."
ENDS
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