Nitzan Birnbaum - Saba Project, Vol. 2 (2020) [Hi-Res]

Nitzan, an Israeli musician, graduate of the Thelma Yellin School of Arts, and a third generation holocaust survivor. Nitzan grew up on the inspiring stories of his Saba (grandfather), Rabbi Professor Ervin Birnbaum, an educator, author, social activist and an eternal optimist and dreamer.

Two years ago Nitzan embarked upon a mission to capture his Saba’s story. He dedicated hundreds of hours interviewing and recording him, while in parallel, composing music to accompany his Grandfather's story. The result is a moving experience where a dramatic life testimonial is empowered and complemented by an original and powerful musical dimension.

The project ranges in time from Ervin’s youth under the Nazi regime, his struggle with God, his journey to Palestine on the famous refugee ship “Exodus 1947”, his rabbinate education in NY and, finally, fulfilling his dream to settle his family in Israel.

In Nitzan’s words: “ during the last two years I had the great privilege to produce my grandfathers life story, a Holocaust survival and a real hero. We spent precious time together and as I heard his stories unfiltered, it has been a real honor to invite him in to my world of music.

Saba’s heroic story of survival has shaped who I am today and I’m thrilled to share this journey with the message that life is a gift and that challenges can often be opportunities and stepping stones.

This project is dedicated to Saba with endless love

Every SABA has a story: I’d like to inspire young people all over the world to capture the stories of their grandparents and bring them to life with a musical dimension. The team at SabaProject will edit your recording and add a musical layer to create a unique soundtrack that you will have to pass from generation to generation. Its easy.

Now is the time!

Now, more than ever, as the wise generation is isolated due to the corona threat, this is a wonderful opportunity to pick up the phone and record your grandparent telling their story.

”The stories I recorded are the ones I‘ve been hearing all my life. They were the bedtime stories that passed down from my grandfather to my father and they largely shaped who I am today and who I want to be. It has been a great privilege to deepen into the survival stories of my grandfather and to tell them through my personal interpretation, through my music. The journey awarded me the treasure of quality time with my Saba. The recordings, photo sessions, joint trips were memorable moments with my Saba and were also an important milestone in his own journey of life. It has been a great privilege for me. You can do it too but we‘re gonna make it real easy for you!“ (Nitzan)

Shai Maestro, piano
Chris Tordini, bass
Nitzan Birnbaum, drums