Songs from Auschwitz

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To mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2025, a story of hope, music and survival from Auschwitz. Professor Shirli Gilbert explores the life of Krystyna Żywulska, a Jewish political prisoner. Imprisoned in the most notorious camp in the Nazi system, Żywulska turned to poetry and music, offering tiny moments of resilience and optimisim for her fellow inmates and creating some of the most remarkable songs of this tragic era. Born in Poland in 1914, Krystyna Żywulska was sent to Auschwitz in 1943. There she was given a very unusual job. She worked at the Effektenkammer, the storage facility for the personal items confiscated from arriving prisoners. This role turned out to be a gift. Żywulska described the Effektenkammer as a ‘beautiful oasis’ in the middle of the horrors of Auschwitz. Into it came a bounty of treasures - fur coats, musical instruments, gold jewellery and countless suitcases stuffed with possessions. At the Effektenkammer, Żywulska composed many poems and songs that spread rapidly through the camp. She also put on musical events to raise the spirits of the Auschwitz inmates. Shirli Gilbert speaks to Żywulska’s son and to Holocaust historians to explore this remarkable story. She also visits the site of the Effektenkammer at Auschwitz, returning Żywulska’s music to the place where it began. Presenter: Shirli Gilbert, Professor of Modern Jewish History at University College London Historical consultant: Professor Barbara Milewski Producer: Tom Woolfenden Editor: Kirsten Lass A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4