News

“HOW SABA KEPT SINGING”
David Wisnia’s Story of Survival, a PBS Holocaust Documentary
Now Streaming, Free to View, Available Anytime on YouTube

David “Saba” Wisnia always believed that he survived Auschwitz by using his beautiful singing voice to entertain his Nazi captors. However, when his grandson, Avi, starts asking questions, the family embarks on a journey that lead them into the mystery of Saba’s past, including a previously secret relationship that may be the reason his life was spared. A remarkable and uplifting story about faith, family and the power of music, proving love can grow and take hold in even the darkest of places. This film was directed by Sara Taksler, with executive producers Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton.

Film Poster HOW SABA KEPT SINGING
Watch the film trailer HERE.
Watch the full documentary HERE.

Find live screening events & programs in a city near you HERE.
Read more about the film and view discussion guides & educational resources HERE.

How Saba Kept Singing screenings 2023 2024 dates



“HOW SABA KEPT SINGING”
A Holocaust Documentary TV Premiere on PBS
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 10pm ET

TUNE IN
How To Watch: Download the PBS app on your phone, tablet, or TV streaming device and access programs with PBS Passport. Check local listings for broadcast details in your area as times may vary. For more information, visit: https://www.pbs.org/show/how-saba-kept-singing/

 


In Loving Memory of Cantor David S. Wisnia
Cantor David S. Wisnia, 94, passed away on Tuesday, June 15, 2021.

David Wisnia was a vocalist, composer, educator and beloved community leader. Later in life, he would use his powerful baritone to share with the world his remarkable tale of surviving the Holocaust through story and song, tracing his harrowing journey from young Polish singing star to Auschwitz prisoner to American liberator with the 101st Airborne. Cantor Wisnia’s remarkable singing voice helped save him in the Nazi concentration camp.

David will certainly be remembered for his incredible voice, but he will also be remembered for his love of hot soup, fancy cars, teaching his students, and making friends with everyone he came into contact with. Husband of the late Hope Wisnia, he is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Rabbi Eric and Judith Wisnia, Michael and Misa Wisnia; two daughters and sons-in-law, Karen Wisnia and Kirk Wattles, Jana and Lee Dickstein; and five grandchildren, Sara (Matthew Schiffer) and Avi Wisnia, Rachel and Ethan Dickstein, and Naomi Wattles. He was also grandfather of the late Dov Benjamin Wisnia.

David will be dearly missed by so many, but his story, his voice, and his legacy will continue to resonate from generation to generation. 

Read the complete obituary HERE.
Read the New York Times tribute HERE.

Public Memorial for Cantor David S. Wisnia
presented by his family & friends

Sunday, August 22, 2021
Congregation Rodeph Shalom
615 N Broad Street, Philadelphia PA
2:00pm service, with reception to follow
(please follow synagogue guidelines for COVID-safe gathering restrictions)

To honor the life of Cantor David Wisnia, donations can be made to the following:

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, working to preserve the legacy of and educate about the Holocaust: 
DONATE
  • New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education: mail a check for the commission to P.O. Box 500, Trenton NJ 08625, c/o Prof. Doug Cervi (memo: in honor of David Wisnia)

Special thanks to
The National Museum of American Jewish History and Jewish Renewal in Poland.


The National Museum of American Jewish History Presents
FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION:

REMEMBERING THE HOLOCAUST THROUGH STORY AND SONG
a program streaming live at
Facebook.com/NMAJH or NMAJH Website
Monday, April 20, 2020

“In honor of Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day, NMAJH welcomes award-winning Philadelphia singer/songwriter Avi Wisnia to discuss the stories and songs of his grandfather, Cantor and Auschwitz survivor David S. Wisnia. Cantor Wisnia’s remarkable singing voice helped save him in the Nazi concentration camp, and he continues singing to this day as he and his grandson travel around the world performing concerts and conducting programs on the Holocaust.

The program will feature some never-before-seen video footage from an intimate concert performed by Avi and his grandfather. Conversations between songs will explore the duo’s multi-generational musical connection, the importance of preserving David’s story and legacy, the Wisnia family’s recent return to Poland to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and more. The event will highlight the urgency of keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive, and the importance of passing on this legacy from generation to generation.”


The National Liberty Museum Presents
a concert event with
Cantor David S. Wisnia & Avi Wisnia

*THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION
DUE TO COVID19.*

Through the voice of survivor Cantor David S. Wisnia and the music of his grandson Avi Wisnia, you will hear of David’s incredible journey from Auschwitz prisoner to survivor and liberator. Singing together, grandfather and grandson will perform a variety of music including original compositions to illustrate this incredible story of strength and resiliency, of faith and hope,
and the power of music to bring light to the darkest of days.

This concert event honors Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and presented in conjunction with the National Liberty Museum’s special exhibit Forbidden Art: A Collection of Art Made By Prisoners of Auschwitz Concentration Camp.

this event is free with general museum admission, and open to all ages
www.libertymuseum.org


Freedoms Foundation 2020 Local Heroes Award Gala
honors David Wisnia
with the first ever Courage Award

February 29 at the Freedoms Foundation in Phoenixville PA
Read more about the event and David’s award HERE


International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2020
AUSCHWITZ 75
Poland

Cantor David S. Wisnia and his family 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 Wisnia and his grandson Avi,
with stories about the Holocaust and music that they will perform together.
Follow their journey and the travelog #MyPolishWisnia at
www.mypolishwisnia.com

Avi Wisnia and David Wisnia perform at the
POLIN MUSEUM in Warsaw on January 24, 2020 (TIX & INFO)

*

On January 27, David Wisnia and family will travel to Auschwitz for a major international commemoration event, organized at the Auschwitz Memorial in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The event symbolically takes place place on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Auschwitz Survivors will be the most important guests of the event, with nearly 200 of them coming to the ceremony from all over the world. David Wisnia will be singing a “Prayer for the Departed” at this memorial event, in the same spot where he was held prisoner 75 years ago.


Temple Beth David
Friday Evening Shabbat Service & Program
with
Cantor David S. Wisnia and Avi Wisnia

Friday, December 6, 2019
1130 Vaughan Lane, Gladwyne PA
www.bdavid.org


Or Hadash Congregation in Fort Washington PA
Friday Evening Shabbat Service & Concert
to Commemorate Kristalnacht
with
Cantor David S. Wisnia and Avi Wisnia

Friday, November 8, 2019
7:00pm
190 Camp Hill Road, Fort Washington PA
www.orhadash.com


Wissahickon Valley Public Library Presents
FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION:
REMEMBERING THE HOLOCAUST THROUGH STORY AND SONG
a concert event with
Cantor David S. Wisnia &  Avi Wisnia

Thursday, September 19, 2019

7:00pm – 8:00pm concert program; meet & greet and book signing to follow

Wissahickon Valley Public Library
650 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell PA

this event is free, and open to all ages
seating is limited, advanced reservations recommended
register for the event at remember.eventbrite.com


Temple Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park PA
Friday Evening Shabbat Service & Program to Commemorate
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
with
Cantor David S. Wisnia and Avi Wisnia

Friday, January 25, 2019
8:00pm
8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park PA
www.kenesethisrael.org


Kable House Presents
FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION:
REMEMBERING THE HOLOCAUST THROUGH STORY AND SONG
an evening with
Cantor David S. Wisnia &  Avi Wisnia

York PA’s historic Central Market House
Thursday, November 29, 2018

6:00pm doors; 7:00pm concert program
34 W Philadelphia St, York PA

Cantor David S. Wisnia and his grandson Avi Wisnia recount their recent travels in Poland, with stories about the Holocaust and music that they will perform together; event sponsors include Jewish Family Services; a meet & greet reception will follow the program

(this is an all-ages event)
ticket reservations & information available HERE


Temple Sholom in Broomall PA
Friday Evening Shabbat Service & Program to Commemorate the Holocaust
with Cantor David S. Wisnia and Avi Wisnia

Friday, Oct 5, 2018
6:00pm
55 N. Church Lane, Broomall PA


Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling, West Virginia
presents an evening of story and song with
Cantor David S. Wisnia
accompanied on piano by Laurent Levy

Thursday, July 12, 2018
7:00pm

a meet & greet reception / book signing will follow the program
more information at www.ohiocountylibrary.org

Cantor Wisnia will also be at Temple Shalom on Friday, July 13 at 8:00pm,
participating in the Sabbath evening service
and sharing a brief overview of his extraordinary life story
(both events are free and open to the public)


Pennsylvania College of Technology, Klump Academic Center
presents Cantor David S. Wisnia
accompanied on piano by grandson Avi Wisnia

Sunday, April 22, 2018
7:00pm
One College Avenue, Williamsport PA

David Wisnia and Avi Penn College Event April 22 2018 Poster

a meet & greet reception / book signing will follow the program
(this event is free and open to the public)


Temple Israel of the City of New York
Friday Evening Shabbat Service & Program to Commemorate Yom HaShoah
with Cantor David S. Wisnia and Avi Wisnia

Friday, April 13, 2018
6:00pm
112 E. 75th Street, New York NY


University of Delaware
presents an evening with
Cantor David S. Wisnia &  Avi Wisnia

Gore Recital Hall, Roselle Center for the Arts
Wednesday, April 11, 2018

6:30pm doors; 7:00pm program
110 Orchard Rd, Newark DE 19716

Cantor David S. Wisnia and his grandson Avi Wisnia recount their recent travels in Poland, with stories about the Holocaust and music that they will perform together; event sponsors include the campus Hillel and Jewish Studies Department; a meet & greet reception will follow the program

(this event is free and open to the public)
more information at www.aviwisnia.com/tour


J. D. Rechter Memorial Holocaust Foundation presents
David Wisnia: One Voice, Two Lives

David Wisnia Morgantown WV April 2018 event image

Sunday, April 8, 2018
1:00pm

Morgantown Event Center at Marriott Waterfront Place Hotel
Three Waterfront Place, Morgantown WV 26501

Piano accompaniment provided by Morgantown native Laurent Levy.
Cantor Wisnia will be signing copies of his book after the presentation.


Temple Shir Ami, Newtown PA
Friday Evening Shabbat Service & Program to Commemorate Yom HaShoah
with Cantor David S. Wisnia and Avi Wisnia

Friday, April 6, 2018
6:00pm
101 Richboro Road, Newtown PA


Remembering The Holocaust in Story & Song
with Cantor David S. Wisnia and Avi Wisnia

Mishkan Torah Synagogue
Saturday, December 2, 2017

6:00pm doors; 6:30pm havdallah service; 7:00pm program
10 Ridge Road, Greenbelt MD 20770 (25 min. outside Washington DC)

Cantor David S. Wisnia and his grandson Avi Wisnia recount their recent travels in Poland, with stories about the Holocaust and music that they will perform together; presented as part of the Diane Kritt Lecture Series; a small service precedes the concert event; meet & greet to follow

(this event is free and open to the public)
more information at www.aviwisnia.com/tour


David Wisnia will be speaking and signing books at
The 21st Annual World War II Living History Weekend
at the Eisenhower National Historic Site

Saturday, Sept 16, 2017
12:00pm Noon

more event information HERE


David Wisnia will be speaking and signing books at
AIRFEST 2017 in Cape May, NJ
Naval Air Station Wildwood
Aviation Museum

Saturday, Sept 2, 2017
11:00am – 12:00pm

for tickets and event information visit www.usnasw.org/airfest


UNION COUNTY VETERANS 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
JUNE 2017 in LEWISBURG, PA

David Wisnia Union County Parade Cover

David Wisnia will serve as Parade Grand Marshal, Saturday June 24 at 10am.
David Wisnia will give a presentation and concert relating his experience in WWII at Bucknell University’s Rooke Chapel, Sunday June 25 at 2pm.

(all events free and open to the public)
more information at www.unioncountyveterans4thofjuly.com


COURAGEOUS CHOICES: FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION
National Museum of American Jewish History
Friday, May 12, 2017
Time: 11:00am (doors); 11:15am – 12:30pm (program).
Admission: $12.
Age restrictions: All Ages.
Address: 101 S Independence Mall E., Philadelphia, PA.

Courageous Choices NMAJH image May 2017

Cantor David S. Wisnia and his grandson Avi Wisnia recount their recent travels in Poland, with stories about the Holocaust and music that they will perform together; presented as part of NMAJH “Courageous Choices” Series; meet & greet to follow; museum will be open for touring after the event, included with program admission; only a limited number of tickets for this program will be available


HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY PROGRAM
Temple Agudath Sholom, Lynchburg, VA
Date: Sunday, April 30, 2017.
Time: 4:00pm.
Age restrictions: All Ages.
Address: 2055 Langhorne Rd, Lynchburg VA.

Holocaust Remembrance Day flyer David Wisnia Avi Wisnia at Agudath Shalom Lynchburg VA, April 2017


Three Nights. Three Concerts. 

Celebrating the Renewal of Jewish Life in Poland

with Cantor David S. Wisnia
 
October 19 at Temple Aliyah, Woodland Hills
October 22 at Torrance Cultural Arts Center
October 23 at Temple Beth Israel, Pomona
Los Angeles, California | 2016
 
 
 * * *
 
Jewish Renewal in Poland is proud to present three concert events in the Los Angeles area featuring Cantor David S. Wisnia, the 90-year-old Warsaw native and survivor of the Nazi horrors who is one of the last living individuals to have their cantorial art personally nurtured by the great cantors of pre-war Poland- Gershon Sirota and Moshe Koussevitsky. Cantor Wisnia will be joined on stage by his grandson Avi Wisnia, an award-winning composer, singer, and performer. The program will also include contributions from two musical representatives of the Jewish renewal taking place today in Poland, Cantorial Solists Rivka Iza Foremniak and Menachem Piotr Mirski from the Progressive Jewish community Beit Polska. Proceeds will benefit the renewal of progressive Jewish life in Poland.  
 

Tickets & Concert Information

Wed, October 19, 7:30pm
at Temple Aliyah
6025 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367
RESERVE TIX

Sat, October 22, 8:00pm
at Torrance Cultural Arts Center
3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503
RESERVE TIX

Sun, October 23, 4:00pm
at Temple Beth Israel
3033 Towne Ave. Pomona, CA 91767
RESERVE TIX

About The Program:
The concerts will showcase the voice and life-story of Cantor David S. Wisnia, a survivor of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. As a Polish youth, Wisnia sang in the famed Tlumacke Synagogue with renown Cantors Gershon Serota and Moshe Kussovitsky. He continued to use his incredible vocal talent during World War II and his internment in Auschwitz, leading to his ultimate survival. Wisnia’s broad-ranging repertoire includes liturgy, Yiddish show tunes, and Israeli music, connecting Poland’s Jewish musical past with the country’s current emerging moment of Jewish renewal. (Read more about David Wisnia’s story and his recently published memoir “One Voice Two Lives” at www.onevoicetwolives.com)

David Wisnia’s grandson, pianist & singer-songwriter Avi Wisnia, will accompany his grandfather during the concerts as well as perform his own original music, with influences ranging from American Folk to Brazilian Jazz to contemporary Jewish music, keeping the Jewish musical tradition alive, from generation to generation. (Read more about Avi Wisnia’s music and listen to songs at www.aviwisnia.com)

During the program, the Wisnias will also recount their recent travels to Poland: performing together in Warsaw, teaching a new generation of Jews at Beit Warszawa, and revisiting the infamous death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau where David Wisnia was a prisoner for nearly 3 years.
(Read more about the Wisnias’ travels in Poland at www.mypolishwisnia.com and http://rabbibeliakblog.org/david-wisnia-88-child-prodigy-auschwitz-survivor-cantor-joined-by-grandson-avi/)

The program also features two special guests from Poland, Rivka Foremniak and Menachem Piotr Mirski, popular prayer leaders from the progressive Jewish community of Beit Polska. The two vocalists from Warsaw and Gdansk, respectively, are among the ten prayer leaders trained by the lay cantor’s program originated by Princess Irina zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (http://rabbibeliakblog.org/lay-prayer-leaders-shatzcantor-development/). Their musical repertoire includes cantorial music as well as a unique niche of Polish-Jewish Klezmer music. The vocalists will reunite with the Wisnias after performing together in Poland in 2015.

Additional musical support at the performances will be provided by instrumentalists from the UCLA undergraduate jazz program and the Thelonious Monk Institute.

 


ONE VOICE, TWO LIVES Book reading, signing & Communal Menorah Lighting
Saturday, December 12, 2015
5:30pm, Congregation Beth Chaim
329 Village Rd E, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550

David S. Wisnia and his book One Voice Two Lives

This event is open to the public.
Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Books will be available for purchase at this event.
More information at www.bethchaim.org or 609-799-9693.

 Join us as Cantor David Wisnia shares his powerful story of survival and reads aloud from his new memoir.


low res David S. Wisnia & Avi Wisnia Koncert Fabryka Trzciny Warsaw Poland poster Oct 2015

Cantor David S. Wisnia & Avi Wisnia Koncert
 
October 24, 2015
18:00
 
Fabryka Trzciny
Warsaw, Poland
 
 

   David Wisnia & Avi Wisnia  –  słynny kantor i jego utalentowany wnuk, wystąpią w Polsce  24 X 2015 roku o godz.18:00 w  Centrum Artystycznym Fabryka Trzciny  przy ulicy Otwockiej 14 na warszawskiej Pradze. 

David Wisnia & Avi Wisnia – the famous cantor and his talented grandson, will perform in Poland October 24th, 2015 – 6:00pm
at the Fabryka Trzciny Arts Center

 Wstęp wolny
Serdecznie zapraszamy

David Wisnia & Avi WIsnia Koncert 24.10 1800
 
Read more about their travels at www.mypolishwisnia.com