The Darkened Music - Lecture and Communal Singing

Author and music educator Henrik Engelbrecht takes us into Danish musical life during the occupation - a period when musicians constantly had to balance between conscience and survival. Whether one played jazz, opera, revue, or symphonies - in cafés, churches, circuses, or as street musicians during widespread unemployment - the choices were rarely straightforward.

Some Danish artists boycotted the State Radio during the German-led administration imposed by the occupying power. Others found footing with Danish Nazis in DNSAP or performed in the German-Danish association. After liberation, a small group of musicians and singers had to account for themselves - while all five years they had lived with shifting curfews, periods of lawlessness, and a fundamental fear for the future.

Pianist Henrik Hansen accompanies the evening's communal songs. Coffee and pastries will be served.

Free entry, but registration is required. Questions can be directed to librarian Mads Kusk at makusk@kk.dk. Supported by Valby Local Committee.