09-05-2025
Johnstown Symphony Orchestra to present 'Heroes' concert
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A personal understanding of the Holocaust will be felt throughout this musical experience.
The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra will present 'Heroes' at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center on the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown campus in Richland Township.
The concert is in collaboration with the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies Blanche Beerman Holocaust Education Fund and Hope Springs Eternal: Holocaust Education Project.
The project brings together local and regional arts and community organizations, each contributing to fostering an understanding of the tragic time in world history and commemorating the enduring resilience of humanity.
The orchestra will perform poignant and inspiring works by Jewish composers whose lives and careers were tragically affected by the Holocaust, including Zikmund Schul, Pavel Haas, Gideon Klein, Franz Schreker, Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Hans Gal and Ilse Weber.
The concert also will extend gratitude to World War II veterans for their bravery and sacrifices in a visual display.
'We are grateful to the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra for their interest in this very special concert,' said Mike Kane, president of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.
'Mr. and Mrs. Beerman wanted people to remember the Holocaust so that something like it could never happen again. This concert is the culmination of a year-long effort through the Hope Springs Eternal campaign to do just that.
'We all know how the arts can be so impactful in making an impression on people, and we expect this concert will certainly be powerful.'
The performance will feature Grammy Award-winning violinist and composer Michelle Barzel Ross, who will appear as a guest soloist.
In addition, a 30-member student choir from Forest Hills High School, led by music educator and Johnstown Symphony Chorus member Phil Parlock, will perform.
Erin Codey, executive director of the JSO, said the concert will be more than a performance. It will be a moment of collective reflection, remembrance and resilience.
'Through our partnership with the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and the Hope Springs Eternal Holocaust Education Project, we honor the legacy of those impacted by the Holocaust while uplifting the voices and stories that continue to shape our community's pursuit of justice, healing and hope,' she said.
Season leadership sponsors include 1st Summit Bank, AmeriServ Financial, Concurrent Technologies Corp., Somerset Trust Co. and Sposto Interactive.
Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance online at
No tickets will be sold at the door.
For more information, call 814-535-6738.
