A Royal evening of music and memory at Newcastle Reform

Newcastle Reform Synagogue was filled with history, hope, and harmony as members and guests gathered for what proved to be a regal musical concert. The evening featured a special performance by members of the Royal Northern Sinfonia alongside other international artists. It was one of three Brundibar Arts Festival events to help fund its main programme around Holocaust Memorial Day.

The concert was a triumph and a meaningful fundraising festival with heartfelt roots. Founded and directed by Alexandra (Sasha) Raiklina, a former violinist with the RNS and member of Newcastle Reform now living in The Hague, the Festival is marking its 10th anniversary.

It holds the distinction of being the first and largest UK festival dedicated to preserving and celebrating the music and composers of the Holocaust. Its mission is to honour the creativity of artists who endured the unimaginable conditions of the camps, and to ensure their stories continue to resonate through music and the arts.

Sasha’s vision was clear: “It is only through education that greater tolerance can be achieved. We aim to increase the participation of young people, creating lasting links between professional musicians, local community groups, children, and artists. With fewer Holocaust survivors able to share their stories firsthand, our generation carries the responsibility to find new ways of telling them, and to strive for a more understanding and cohesive world.”

Linda Scott, Chair of NRS, commented: “We were honoured and extremely privileged to host such an outstanding musical event.”

Lesley Hagon, Vice Chair of NRS, added: “The concert was beautiful, and the music and stories they told were poignant and deeply moving.”

The next Brundibar Arts Festival will take place from 31 January to 8 February 2026, under the theme: ‘A Voice Not Stilled.’