Learn about Defy Fear Week events, and discover art and the human spirit at the Terezin concentration camp, this week on Informania

This week on Informania, Deb the Librarian interviews April Wilson, Chair of the Defiant Requiem:  Verdi at Terezin Organizing Committee and Anchorage Concert Chorus Board Member. Following is information from the Anchorage Concert Chorus about this performance and other Defy Fear! events.  Interested in reading about this topic?  Check out the Defiant Requiem Resource List.

Due to software challenges, Informania may not be replayed this Thursday at 5pm as expected.  I will work on posting these shows online as well.  Please listen to Informania’s live broadcasts on 88.1FM or kruaradio.org, Wednesday at 9am.  Listen, and be informed!

The Live Performance

The concert-drama, Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín, tells the story of the courageous Jewish prisoners in the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp during World War II who performed the famous Verdi Requiem Mass while experiencing the depths of human degradation.  With only a smuggled score, they performed the famous oratorio sixteen times, including one performance before senior SS officials from Berlin and a Red Cross delegation.   Conductor Rafael Schächter told the choir, We will sing to the Nazis what we cannot say to them.
 
The concert was conceived and created by Foundation President, Maestro Murry Sidlin. The concert combines the magnificent music of Verdi with testimony from survivors of the original chorus and footage from a Nazi propaganda film on Theresienstadt.  The performance also includes actors who speak the words of imprisoned conductor Rafael Schächter and other prisoners. This is not just another performance of the Verdi Requiem, but a tribute to the inspired leadership of Rafael Schächter who was forced to reconstitute the choir three times as members were transported to Auschwitz.  The performances came to symbolize resistance and defiance and answering the worst of mankind with the best of mankind.    The performance is powerful, dramatic and inspirational, with a contemporary message of hope.
 
The story of Terezín unfolds between each section of the Verdi score.  The final concert/drama, running two hours without intermission, explains why the performances in 1943 and 1944 provided a beacon of hope for the prisoner choir and its audience.
 
Following a 2010 performance at the Kennedy Center, Washington Post reviewer Stephen Brooks wrote, Murry Sidlin’s setting of the music, incorporating film of the camp, interviews with survivors, and actors describing the dramatic background, was handled with both dignity and power, and pushed the requiem to even more harrowing depths and exalting heights.”   See www.defiantrequiem.org for more information.
 
Defy Fear! Week
Defy Fear! Week 
A week of engaging and thought-provoking events leading up to Anchorage Concert Chorus’ performances of Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin on April 8 & 10 in the Atwood Concert Hall – 
For more information visit www.anchorageconcertchorus.org
     
Day Event
Evening Event
Friday, Apr.1 
Defy Fear! Week opening reception with introduction by Mayor Berkowitz, music by Anchorage Concert Chorus Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
6:30 –  7:30pm
Saturday, Apr. 2
“March of the Living” Presentations by Alaska teens who travelled to Poland and Israel to participate in this annual pilgrimage which includes a retracing of the Death March from Auschwitz to Berkinau gas chambers & crematoria. Everyone welcome, reception following
Alaska Public Media studios 7:00-10:00 pm  
Sunday, Apr. 3
Reading of Hana’s Suitcase
Title Wave Book Store 1-2 pm
“The World War II Holocaust Revisited”  Excerpts from the 1965 opera “The Final Ingredient”; “a Holocaust Suite”; three movements from Verdi’s Requiem, etc.
sacred concert on KLEF 6-9 AM
Monday, Apr. 4 
“Defiant Requiem” PBS documentary screening. Question & answer with creator/conductor Murry Sidlin following the showing
Bear Tooth Theatre Pub & Grill 8:00 pm
Tuesday, Apr. 5Children’s Peace Pole on display all week at Loussac Library
“Genocide and Refugees” panel discussion with Dr. Mara Kimmel, immigration attorney and co-founder of Alaska Institute for Justice, Leslie Fried, Alaska Jewish Museum Director and Teresa Grey, recent volunteer in Levos Greece refugee camp.
BP Energy Center 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday, Apr. 6
Reading of Hana’s Suitcase 
Loussac Library Innovation Lab
5:00–6:00 pm
Thursday, Apr. 7Lunch & Learn with Maestro Murry Sidlin.  Loussac Library Innovation Lab noon – 1 pm
“Schindler’s List” screening
Loussac Library Innovation Lab 5:30 pm
Friday, Apr.8
Alaska World Affairs Council Panel: “Music, Art & Justice: Community Building and Political Expression on the International Stage” with Maestro Murry Sidlin and Julie Decker.  Moderated by Torrie Allen
Downtown Anchorage Hilton 12-1
“Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin” Performance presented by the Anchorage Concert Chorus and UAA School of Music. Murry Sidlin guest conductor; Mari Hahn, soprano; Marsha Miller-Ackerman, mezzo; John Nuzzo, tenor; Anton Belov, bass/baritone
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
Atwood Concert Hall  8:00 pm
Saturday, Apr. 9Children add their handprints to the Peace Pole.  Loussac Library, Youth Services, Second Floor DROP BY ANYTIME
UAA Faculty Concert, repertoire will tie into the themes presented through Defy Fear! Week
UAA Recital hall 7:30 pm
Sunday, Apr.10 “Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin” Performance presented by the Anchorage Concert Chorus and UAA School of Music.Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Atwood Concert Hall  8:00 pm
Defy Fear! Week
 
1st Friday at Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center 6:30 – 7:30
Kick-off event for Defy Fear! Week, introduction and proclamation by Mayor Berkowitz, excerpts from “Verdi Requiem” by Anchorage Concert Chorus – Sponsored by Anchorage Museum
 
“March of the Living” – student presentations – Alaska Public Media studios – Saturday, April 27-10 pm The program will feature presentations by Alaska Jewish teens who travelled to Poland and Israel and participated in this annual pilgrimage which included a retracing of the Death March from Auschwitz to Berkinau gas chambers & crematoria.  A question and answer session will follow the presentations.  Sponsored by Alaska Public Media and the Alaska Chapter of the United Jewish Communities
 
Children’s Peace Pole – On display from Tuesday, April 5th to Sunday April 10th
 
Genocide and Refugees – PB Energy Center – Tuesday, April 56-8 pm A panel discussion with Dr Mara Kimmel, Leslie Fried and Teresa Grey all who have experiences and observations regarding the journey and treatment of refugees.
 
Hana’s Suitcase reading – Sunday, April 3 at Title Wave Book Store 1-2 pm
An opportunity to hear the summarized story of Hana and George Brady, Czech Jews. Includes excerpts from the book, a recording of a question and answer session from the survivor of the story and a pictorial display of their life experience in the Nazi prison camp at Terezin in Czechoslovakia.  Also highlighted will be explanations of some Czech traditions along with Czech outfits from Moravia. A limited number of copies of Hana’s Suitcase will be available to take home by making a small donation to the Anchorage Concert Chorus.  Sponsored by Title Wave Book Store
 
“Defiant Requiem”– Monday, April 4 at Beartooth Theatre Pub 8:00 pm – Screening of the PBS feature-length documentary film which illuminates the extraordinary, untold story of the brave acts of resistance by the Jewish prisoners at Terezín Concentration Camp during World War II.  Introduction by Mayor Berkowitz, question & answer period following with Murry Sidlin, creator of “Defiant Requiem – Verdi at Terezin. Sponsored by BeartoothTheatre Pub and Defiant Requiem Foundation
 
Lunch & Learn – Thursday, April 7 at Loussac Library Innovation Lab 12-1 pm
Maestro Murry Sidlin will provide background on Verdi, the different movements of his masterpiece Requiem, and the upcoming performances of “Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin”. Sponsored by Loussac Library and Defiant Requiem Foundation
 
Schindler’s List – Thursday, April 7 at Loussac Library Innovation Lab 5:30
Schindler’s List is a 1993 movie based on the book Schindler’s Ark by Thomas Keneally (the book was later renamed Schindler’s List as well). The movie relates the tale of Oskar Schindler, a German entrepreneur who was instrumental in saving the lives of over one thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust. (Moviepedia). Sponsored by Loussac Library
 
World Affairs Council Panel: “Music, Art & Justice” Friday, April 8, Downtown Anchorage Hilton, 12-1 pm “Community Building and Political Expression on the International Stage” with Maestro Murry Sidlin and Julie Decker, Director of the Anchorage Museum, moderated by Torrie Allen, Alaska Public Media.  Sponsored by World Affairs Council
 
Children’s Peace Pole- Loussac Library, Youth Services, Second Floor Saturday, April 9 to add a decorated handprint to the peace pole. Crafting materials will be available. Peace pole on loan from Anchorage Montessori School.  DROP BY ANYTIME.  Sponsored by Loussac Library
 
tribute to the inspired leadership of Rafael Schächter who was forced to reconstitute the choir three times as members were transported to Auschwitz.  The performances came to symbolize resistance and defiance and answering the worst of mankind with the best of mankind.    The performance is powerful, dramatic and inspirational, with a contemporary message of hope.
 
The story of Terezín unfolds between each section of the Verdi score.  The final concert/drama, running two hours without intermission, explains why the performances in 1943 and 1944 provided a beacon of hope for the prisoner choir and its audience.
 
Following a 2010 performance at the Kennedy Center, Washington Post reviewer Stephen Brooks wrote, Murry Sidlin’s setting of the music, incorporating film of the camp, interviews with survivors, and actors describing the dramatic background, was handled with both dignity and power, and pushed the requiem to even more harrowing depths and exalting heights.”   See www.defiantrequiem.org for more information.
 
Defy Fear! Week
Defy Fear! Week 
A week of engaging and thought-provoking events leading up to Anchorage Concert Chorus’ performances of Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin on April 8 & 10 in the Atwood Concert Hall – 
For more information visit www.anchorageconcertchorus.org
     
Day Event
Evening Event
Friday, Apr.1 
Defy Fear! Week opening reception with introduction by Mayor Berkowitz, music by Anchorage Concert Chorus Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
6:30 –  7:30pm
Saturday, Apr. 2
“March of the Living” Presentations by Alaska teens who travelled to Poland and Israel to participate in this annual pilgrimage which includes a retracing of the Death March from Auschwitz to Berkinau gas chambers & crematoria. Everyone welcome, reception following
Alaska Public Media studios 7:00-10:00 pm  
Sunday, Apr. 3
Reading of Hana’s Suitcase
Title Wave Book Store 1-2 pm
“The World War II Holocaust Revisited”  Excerpts from the 1965 opera “The Final Ingredient”; “a Holocaust Suite”; three movements from Verdi’s Requiem, etc.
sacred concert on KLEF 6-9 AM
Monday, Apr. 4 
“Defiant Requiem” PBS documentary screening. Question & answer with creator/conductor Murry Sidlin following the showing
Bear Tooth Theatre Pub & Grill 8:00 pm
Tuesday, Apr. 5Children’s Peace Pole on display all week at Loussac Library
“Genocide and Refugees” panel discussion with Dr. Mara Kimmel, immigration attorney and co-founder of Alaska Institute for Justice, Leslie Fried, Alaska Jewish Museum Director and Teresa Grey, recent volunteer in Levos Greece refugee camp.
BP Energy Center 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday, Apr. 6
Reading of Hana’s Suitcase 
Loussac Library Innovation Lab
5:00–6:00 pm
Thursday, Apr. 7Lunch & Learn with Maestro Murry Sidlin.  Loussac Library Innovation Lab noon – 1 pm
“Schindler’s List” screening
Loussac Library Innovation Lab 5:30 pm
Friday, Apr.8
Alaska World Affairs Council Panel: “Music, Art & Justice: Community Building and Political Expression on the International Stage” with Maestro Murry Sidlin and Julie Decker.  Moderated by Torrie Allen
Downtown Anchorage Hilton 12-1
“Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin” Performance presented by the Anchorage Concert Chorus and UAA School of Music. Murry Sidlin guest conductor; Mari Hahn, soprano; Marsha Miller-Ackerman, mezzo; John Nuzzo, tenor; Anton Belov, bass/baritone
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
Atwood Concert Hall  8:00 pm
Saturday, Apr. 9Children add their handprints to the Peace Pole.  Loussac Library, Youth Services, Second Floor DROP BY ANYTIME
UAA Faculty Concert, repertoire will tie into the themes presented through Defy Fear! Week
UAA Recital hall 7:30 pm
Sunday, Apr.10 “Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin” Performance presented by the Anchorage Concert Chorus and UAA School of Music.Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Atwood Concert Hall  8:00 pm
Defy Fear! Week
 
1st Friday at Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center 6:30 – 7:30
Kick-off event for Defy Fear! Week, introduction and proclamation by Mayor Berkowitz, excerpts from “Verdi Requiem” by Anchorage Concert Chorus – Sponsored by Anchorage Museum
 
“March of the Living” – student presentations – Alaska Public Media studios – Saturday, April 27-10 pm The program will feature presentations by Alaska Jewish teens who travelled to Poland and Israel and participated in this annual pilgrimage which included a retracing of the Death March from Auschwitz to Berkinau gas chambers & crematoria.  A question and answer session will follow the presentations.  Sponsored by Alaska Public Media and the Alaska Chapter of the United Jewish Communities
 
Children’s Peace Pole – On display from Tuesday, April 5th to Sunday April 10th
 
Genocide and Refugees – PB Energy Center – Tuesday, April 56-8 pm A panel discussion with Dr Mara Kimmel, Leslie Fried and Teresa Grey all who have experiences and observations regarding the journey and treatment of refugees.
 
Hana’s Suitcase reading – Sunday, April 3 at Title Wave Book Store 1-2 pm
An opportunity to hear the summarized story of Hana and George Brady, Czech Jews. Includes excerpts from the book, a recording of a question and answer session from the survivor of the story and a pictorial display of their life experience in the Nazi prison camp at Terezin in Czechoslovakia.  Also highlighted will be explanations of some Czech traditions along with Czech outfits from Moravia. A limited number of copies of Hana’s Suitcase will be available to take home by making a small donation to the Anchorage Concert Chorus.  Sponsored by Title Wave Book Store
 
“Defiant Requiem”– Monday, April 4 at Beartooth Theatre Pub 8:00 pm – Screening of the PBS feature-length documentary film which illuminates the extraordinary, untold story of the brave acts of resistance by the Jewish prisoners at Terezín Concentration Camp during World War II.  Introduction by Mayor Berkowitz, question & answer period following with Murry Sidlin, creator of “Defiant Requiem – Verdi at Terezin. Sponsored by BeartoothTheatre Pub and Defiant Requiem Foundation
 
Lunch & Learn – Thursday, April 7 at Loussac Library Innovation Lab 12-1 pm
Maestro Murry Sidlin will provide background on Verdi, the different movements of his masterpiece Requiem, and the upcoming performances of “Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin”. Sponsored by Loussac Library and Defiant Requiem Foundation
 
Schindler’s List – Thursday, April 7 at Loussac Library Innovation Lab 5:30
Schindler’s List is a 1993 movie based on the book Schindler’s Ark by Thomas Keneally (the book was later renamed Schindler’s List as well). The movie relates the tale of Oskar Schindler, a German entrepreneur who was instrumental in saving the lives of over one thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust. (Moviepedia). Sponsored by Loussac Library
 
World Affairs Council Panel: “Music, Art & Justice” Friday, April 8, Downtown Anchorage Hilton, 12-1 pm “Community Building and Political Expression on the International Stage” with Maestro Murry Sidlin and Julie Decker, Director of the Anchorage Museum, moderated by Torrie Allen, Alaska Public Media.  Sponsored by World Affairs Council
 
Children’s Peace Pole- Loussac Library, Youth Services, Second Floor Saturday, April 9 to add a decorated handprint to the peace pole. Crafting materials will be available. Peace pole on loan from Anchorage Montessori School.  DROP BY ANYTIME.  Sponsored by Loussac Library
 
 

 

Learn how UAA’s Academic Coaching Center can help, Wednesday at 9am (or Thurs. at 5pm) on Informania, 88.1FM, kruaradio.org.

Deb the Librarian interviews two people who strive to help UAA students succeed.  Kelsi Swenson is the Operating Coordinator at the Learning Resources Center, and Cameron Nay is the Writing Center and Academic Coaching Center Manager.  The Learning Resources Center (LRC), which houses the Academic Coaching Center, the Writing Lab, the Math Lab, the Center for Language Learning, and a computer lab, is located in the Sally Monserud Hall, near the Wendy Williamson auditorium.  Discover how the LRC can help you!

Informania airs on Wednesday at 9am and repeats Thursday at 5pm.  Listen, and be informed!

Informania’s theme song is Information, by Dredg.

Informania highlights, “Becoming a Strategic Learner,” Wed., 9am, and Thurs., 5pm, 88.1FM, kruaradio.org.

This week on Informania, Deb the Librarian talks about strategies shared in the document, “Becoming a Strategic Learner,”  Topics include setting goals, motivation, overcoming anxiety, and attitude.  Other topics covered in becoming-a-strategic-learner include concentration, time management and information processing.

Additional sources shared on this Informania program include:

Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/), a source that provides overviews about different occupations, including salary range and educational requirements.

Testing and Education Reference Center, a source, available to Alaskans, that provides (from their website description):

  • Over 300 practice tests and courses
  • Ebooks containing valuable study material and practice tests
  • Information on over 4,000 accredited schools
  • Scholarship search featuring $8 billion in available scholarships
  • Resume builder with over 1,000 brainstorming phrases to get you started
  • Career modules covering subjects from career change to salary negotiations

To access the Testing and Education Reference Center and other subscription resources for Alaskans, check out SLED.  Searching the words Alaska SLED in Google is a quick way to find this website full of many useful resources!

 

Informania explores longboarding, starting a business, and literacy advocacy with 907Boards owner, Casey Conner, age 16. 88.1FM, kruaradio.org

On Wednesday, February 3, from 9am-10am, Informania host Deb the Librarian interviewed Casey Conner (age 16), and 907Boards co-owner (and Casey’s Mom), Lisa Conner, about Casey’s longboard business, 907Boards. Casey first developed interest in creating longboards while a middle school student at Hanshew in an afternoon wood shop program.  For seven months now, he has been running his own longboard store in Anchorage, near Dimond and Old Seward (between Papa John’s and the Pink Elephant Car Wash).  On this Informania show, Casey and Lisa discuss the steps they took to establish Casey’s business of designing and making longboards and opening a store.  They have also expanded services to include longboard lessons, field trips, and birthday parties (they have a half pipe in the back of the store!).   Casey welcomes opportunities to be a guest speaker at schools, and invites field trips to his business.

Longboarding

In addition to sharing about business development, Casey provides education about longboarding, differences between a longboard and skateboard, and talkes about the longboarding community events he organizes.  Casey welcomes opportunities to teach people of all ages how to longboard.  Safety equipment is a must!!!

Check out this article about 907Boards:  http://www.concretewavemagazine.com/page/3/

LB4C

Casey and Lisa are passionate about helping students that learn differently develop literacy.  They are advocating for this through Longboards for Change, LB4C.  They believe all people have the right to a good education, and strive to promote literacy for all.  Lisa and Casey want to bring awareness to literacy services, and help parents easily find the resources they need to help children struggling with dyslexia and other learning challenges.  Longboarding provides a healthy way to engage students and draw attention to this important cause.  Way to go, 907Boards!

You can call 907Boards at 907-242-0166, or check them out at 907Boards.com or on Facebook.  Their store on Old Seward is open 12pm-6pm, 7 days per week.

This Informania show will be replayed on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 5pm.  Listen and be informed!

Informania explores elearning resources with KRUA’s TechnoRadio host DJ Dave “The Boss” Dannenberg.

Wednesday, January 27, 9am-10am, Deb the Librarian interviewed Dave Dannenberg, DJ of TechnoRadio and the Director of Academic Innovations and eLearning.  In addition to providing insight into the Academic Innovations and eLearning Department, Dave discussed ePortfolios and distance learning resources.

ePortfolios!

Digication ePortfolio software is available to UAA students at alaska.digication.com.  Questions about how to use or create an ePortfolio?  Call 786-4496, or check out Academic Innovations and eLearning’s ePortfolio website at https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academicinnovations/eportfolios.cfm

Resources for eLearning and entertainment!

Atomic Learning, lynda.com and hoopladigital.com were discussed on today’s show.

Atomic Learning provides online learning opportunities for UAA students.  Search for Atomic Learning in the UAA search box to see what videos are available.

Lynda.com, another resource that provides learning opportunities on photography, 3D, business, and more, has become available through the Anchorage Public Library. You can log on with an Anchorage Public Library card.  Go to an Anchorage Public Library branch, check out www.anchoragelibrary.org or call 907-343-2975 for more information about obtaining a library card.

Hoopladigital.com is also available through the public library.  Hoopla allows you to “instantly borrow free digital movies, music, eBooks and more, 24/7 with your [Anchorage] library card” (hoopladigital.com promotional bookmark).  The three step process for signing up for hoopladigital.com:

1) Download the app or go to hoopladigital.com

2) Log in with your Anchorage Public Library card

3) Borrow free digital movies, music and more!

Informational radio programs on KRUA, 88.1FM, www.kruaradio.org!

Listen to TechnoRadio on Tuesdays from 9am-10am or Thursdays from 4pm-5pm.  Listen to Informania on Wednesdays from 9am-10am or Thursdays from 5pm-6pm.  Listen and be informed!