The Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) is thrilled to announce its March 2026 concert in Shrewsbury, which features James Whitbourn’s “Annelies”, a composition based on Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. This performance will stand as a tribute to Holocaust survivors honoring voices of resilience, memory, and hope.
Event Date: March 8th, 2026
Time: 3:30pm
Location: Robert R. Jay Performing Arts Center (378 Main Street), Shrewsbury, MA
Artistic Director: Dr. Robert Eaton
Soprano: Jess Huetteman
About the Event
“Annelies” is a 75-minute choral work for soprano soloist, choir and instrumentalists that was composed by British composer James Whitbourn. The libretto is compiled and translated by Melanie Challenger from The Diary of Anne Frank. Movements from Annelies were first performed at the National UK Holocaust Memorial Day in Westminster Hall in London in January of 2005 and the world premiere of “Annelies” was given on April 5th, 2005 at the Cadogan Hall, London.
The piece is divided into fourteen movements and there will be no intermission during this performance. In addition to choral and soprano soloist scoring, the instrumental portion is scored for both larger full symphony orchestra and a smaller chamber version. AVM will perform the version scored for a full orchestra which is rare. The last time the work was publicly performed was in 2022 by Princeton Pro Musica.
James Whitbourn passed away in early 2024 and “Annelies” remains one of his most renowned compositions. In fact, a recording by the Westminster Williamson Voices in 2014 was nominated for a Grammy award under the Best Choral Performance category, which was one of four Grammy nominations for Whitbourn during his lifetime. This performance of “Annelies” is enriched by remarks from Holocaust survivors, honoring their voices and enduring resilience.
Ticket Information:
- General Admission: $25.00
- Senior/Student Price: $20.00
- Children under 12 are free with an accompanying adult.
Tickets can be purchased online at .https://www.avmsingers.org/events/lest-we-forget.
