My Polish Wisnia How My Grandfather Survived The Holocaust, Through Story & Song
Avi Wisnia shares the stories and songs of his late grandfather, Cantor David S. Wisnia. The “My Polish Wisnia” project traces David’s harrowing life journey from young Polish singing star to Auschwitz prisoner to American liberator with the 101st Airborne. Through it all, Cantor Wisnia’s remarkable singing voice helped save his life, especially in the Nazi concentration camp. Presented in multi-media presentations and concerts, My Polish Wisnia explores the importance of preserving David’s memories and experiences, as chronicled in his memoir “One Voice, Two Lives.” The project revolves around musical performances which highlight the powerful intergenerational connection between grandfather and grandson. The Wisnias most recently traveled to Poland to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, their journey featured in the PBS documentary “How Saba Kept Singing.” By sharing his grandfather’s story, Avi highlights the urgency of keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive and passing on this legacy from generation to generation.
Upcoming Programs & News
Story
The Barnes Museum Philadelphia
Avi Wisnia performs at The Barnes Museum Philadelphia. He will present two showcases of original music, plus the premiere of a multi-media performance piece featuring the music of his grandfather, renown cantor and Holocaust survivor David S. Wisnia. Art For All is an afternoon of performances and talks by local Philadelphia artists, curated by Small […]
My Polish Wisnia, Live in Concert
My grandfather has seen war from all sides:as a prisoner and as a liberator;as a soldier and as an immigrant and as a refugee.He is a Survivor. Come hear his story of survival, and the music that saved his life which we will perform together. Our concert includes a song my grandfather composed while a […]
Wisnias in Concert
Music is the through-line of my grandfather’s life. Music made him famous as a child singing in Warsaw. Music saved his life as a prisoner in the Nazi concentration camps. Music helped him establish roots and community in the United States. Music is the story, the pain and joy wrapped in tradition and memory, that […]
Return to Poland for Auschwitz 75 – Poland Part III Prelude
AUSCHWITZ 75 Avi Wisnia and his grandfather, David S. Wisnia – cantor and Auschwitz survivor, return to Poland to commemorate 75 years since the Holocaust; together, they will visit Warsaw, Krakow, and the site of Auschwitz itself; the trip will also feature programs and concert events led by David and Avi Wisnia, with stories about […]
Videos
How Saba Kept Singing film trailer
BuzzFeed Video: "How I Escaped The Holocaust"
Moishelach Shloimelach song
Seattle Holocaust Center: "How Music Saved My Grandfather in Auschwitz"
David Wisnia Sings Prayer at Auschwitz 70th Anniversary Event in Poland
Museum of American Jewish History Virtual Program
“Remembering the Holocaust" Program at Bucks County UU
Levittown Legends, The David Wisnia Story
Image Gallery
One Voice,
Two Lives
David Wisnia’s memoir, available in paper-back