About
The Japanese-occupied Shanghai was the only place in the world that offered refuge for about 18,000 Jews escaping Nazis in the 1930s. After about 20 million plus Chinese died in fighting with allied forces against the Japanese invaders and 6 million Jews were murdered by the Nazis, the number of Jews saved by their Chinese neighbors, 18,000, was considered significant. Among the Shanghai Jews were about 400 musicians. Some of them taught Chinese children Western classical music that continues to make an impact until today.
Today, among the millions of Chinese classical musicians, some are connected to this part of history.
Promoting the unifying power of classical music on all peoples, Shanghai Sonatas is gaining international attention and support for its universal themes of belonging, unity, and hope.
Our Mission
Shanghai Sonatas Foundation (SSF) promotes the awareness of the Holocaust, genocide, and racial and gender-related violence from a brand new and nonpolitical perspective. It shares the lesser-known history that inspired the creation of Shanghai Sonatas, a new American musical about resilience, empathy, and cultural understanding. This is critical during these divided times in recent history.
Plot trailer as of Jan 2024
Our Partners
(as of Jan, 2023)
