15.
AI:
Jewish musicians generally did not play directly for Hitler in his presence, as the Nazi regime officially banned Jewish performers and their music, purging them from German orchestras. However, Jewish musicians were forced to perform in camp orchestras, such as at Auschwitz, for SS guards and commanders.
Key details regarding Jewish musicians and the Nazi era:
Forced Performances: Jewish musicians, including cellist Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, were forced to play in the Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz for camp personnel.
Excluded from German Stages: By 1933, Jewish artists were banned from the Vienna State Opera and Philharmonic. The last Jewish member of the Berlin Philharmonic was forced to leave in the 1930s.
Jewish Culture League: The Jewish Culture League (Kulturbund) was established in Berlin in 1933, which allowed Jewish musicians to perform only for Jewish audiences.
Exception in Music: While the Nazis banned Jewish composers, Hitler's personal record collection actually included music by Jewish artists, notes ABC News.
Theresienstadt: In the Theresienstadt ghetto, Jewish musicians continued to perform and compose until their deportation to death camps.
