Fania Fénelon

Fania Fénelon was a French pianist, composer, and cabaret singer who was born in 1908 in Paris, France. During World War II, she was imprisoned in the Auschwitz concentration camp, where she was a member of the Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz. Her experiences during the war formed the basis of her memoir, 'Playing for Time', which describes the horrific conditions in the camp and how music served as a temporary escape for her and her fellow prisoners.

After the war, Fénelon continued to perform and also became an activist, speaking out about her experiences during the Holocaust. Her memoir was adapted into a television film in 1980, starring Vanessa Redgrave, which brought her story to a wider audience. Fénelon's work is often cited in discussions about the role of music in extreme circumstances and the ethical dilemmas faced by prisoners in concentration camps.

Fania Fénelon's contributions to music and her poignant memoir have made her an important figure in Holocaust literature. Her life and work continue to be studied and remembered for their profound impact on understanding the complexities of survival and resistance during one of history's darkest times.

Books

Playing for Time