Dramatic Reading: THE VERDI VERDICT

INVITATION:

Join us on September 16, at 6 pm, for a dramatic reading of THE VERDI VERDICT, written by conductor Murry Sidlin, bringing to life a remarkable story from the Terezin concentration camp.

About the Reading

In the fall of 1943, a volunteer chorus of 150 prisoners at the Terezin concentration camp in Czechoslovakia began rehearsing Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem, a daunting task and an extraordinary undertaking. With only one piano-vocal score, they learned the music by rote under the direction of fellow prisoner and distinguished musician Rafael Schächter.

The rehearsals sparked fierce debate. Many prisoners, particularly Orthodox Jews and others, objected to performing a Catholic Mass within the camp. Their objections reached the Council of Jewish Elders, who summoned Schächter to demand he cancel the work.

This gripping two-scene drama captures the fiery confrontation between Schächter and the eight-member Council of Elders as they clashed over faith, music, and survival.

About Murry Sidlin:

Murry Sidlin, acclaimed conductor and educator, is Professor Emeritus of the School of Music at The Catholic University of America, where he also served as Dean from 2002 to 2010. He began his career with the Baltimore Symphony and National Symphony, later leading orchestras in New Haven, Long Beach, Tulsa, and Oregon, and guest conducting widely across the U.S., Europe, and Israel. For more than three decades, he co-directed the American Academy of Conducting at the Aspen Music Festival. Sidlin is best known as creator of Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín and other concert-dramas honoring the resilience of musicians imprisoned in the Terezín concentration camp. His achievements have earned him international recognition, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Medal of Valor.

Event Details:

Date/Time: September 16, 2025, at 6 pm

Location: Embassy of the Czech Republic

3900 Spring of Freedom Street, NW

Washington, DC 20008

RSVP required

Admission is free.

Embassy Policy: The Embassy of the Czech Republic disclaims and excludes any and all liability for any loss, injury, or damage, alleged to have been suffered by or as a result of or otherwise on its premises.

No large bags are allowed. Small purses may be checked as you pass through security for entrance. RSVP confirmation and photo ID required.

Parking: Non-metered parking is available on Spring of Freedom Street and Tilden Street.

Closest Metro: The Embassy is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Van Ness Metro Station.