In a captivating effort to shed light on a forgotten chapter of history, the New York Philharmonic is set to premiere a new musical work, Émigré, which delves into the little-known story of the Jewish community in Shanghai during World War II. Conductor Long Yu, known for his work with the China Philharmonic Orchestra and Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, was inspired by the real-life events that unfolded when thousands of Jewish individuals fled the Nazis and found refuge in the Chinese port city.

The musical, composed by Aaron Zigman, renowned for his film scores including The Notebook, is a blend of various genres and explores a fictional narrative of two Jewish brothers who escaped Germany to seek a new life in China. Émigré features a grand orchestra, choir, and seven solo vocalists, creating a lush and cinematic soundscape. Deutsche Grammophon released a recording of Émigré earlier this month.

Beyond the central narrative, Émigré also incorporates the historical backdrop of the Japanese occupation of Shanghai. One of the brothers, Josef, falls in love with Lina, a Chinese woman whose mother perished in the Nanjing Massacre. This convergence of historical events forms the foundation of the story, raising awareness about not just the Jewish community seeking refuge but also the challenges faced during this era.

The inspiration for Émigré stems from Yu's personal connection to this history; his own grandfather, Ding Shande, a prominent composer, collaborated closely with the European Jewish musicians in Shanghai during the war. For over two decades, Dvir Bar-Gal, an Israeli-born journalist and Shanghai's leading Jewish heritage tour guide, has been unearthing and sharing the untold Jewish history of the city, adding a valuable perspective to the creative approach of the musical.

While the creative team of Émigré refrains from delving into contemporary politics, the context of the current immigration debate and geopolitical tensions between China, the U.S., and Israel-Hamas conflict cannot be ignored. Mark Campbell, the Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning librettist, emphasizes the moral urgency behind Émigré, hoping it serves as a reminder of the importance of openness and acceptance towards refugees seeking safety and new beginnings.

At a rehearsal at the New York Philharmonic, conductor Long Yu had the privilege of hosting elderly Jewish New Yorkers who had experienced the events portrayed in Émigré in their youth. Moved by their presence, Yu was brought to tears, recognizing the deep connection these listeners had with the historical tale.

Émigré, having premiered in Shanghai last year, continues to make a profound impact worldwide. In November, the musical will be performed in Berlin, completing a full-circle journey for the story of these Jewish émigrés. As audiences experience this powerful musical work, it is hoped that the legacy of China's acceptance and compassion towards refugees will inspire greater openness and empathy in the present day.