Knightly News

“This is a story of hope and triumph at the end, and it’s also a story of loss.” Mona Golabek

Grammy-nominated concert pianist and best-selling author Mona Golabek presented her powerful one-woman performance of “The Children of Willesden Lane” for the Episcopal community. Golabek, the founder and president of the Hold On To Your Music Foundation, has shared the story of her mother, Lisa Jura’s escape from Vienna on the Kindertransport worldwide. She has sold out theaters in New York and London and received Best Actress nominations from the New York Drama Desk and Los Angeles Critics Circle. As she met with Episcopal fourth graders, she advised that nearly 10 million students have heard, seen or read her mother’s tale. The Episcopal community was fortunate to welcome Golabek to campus and read her books as part of this year’s community read.

During her visit to Episcopal Golabek performed for Middle and Upper School students and Episcopal families and friends. As she transported the audience to 1938 Vienna, Golabek shared how Jura, one of three daughters, was chosen to leave Vienna as the war was quickly approaching. Jura’s mother’s parting words to her were to “hold on to your music and I will be with you” because even though they were separated the music would connect them. It was a profound message that Jura eventually passed on to Golabek, who found inspiration in it. “I thought it was magical,” Golabek told fourth graders of her mother’s story. “I thought it was a great story.”

The story transfixed Episcopal audiences. The Visual & Performing Arts Center stage provided a proper backdrop as sound effects of trains and explosions played and lighting was used to emphasize portions of the performance. In one particularly memorable portion of the story, Golabek played the piano along with an original recording of her mother playing all those years ago.

Episcopal’s Marian Castille organized this year’s community read as part of the school’s “commitment to fostering a love for reading and promoting empathy and understanding.” She advised families that “The Children of Willesden Lane” was selected for numerous reasons. “First, while this true story occurs during World War II, the horrors of the Holocaust are not the primary focus,” said Castille. “Rather, the story focuses on hope, determination, resilience, and triumph. Second, the book is available in age-appropriate versions for grades K-12.” Leading up to Golabek’s performance, Castille says students, faculty and staff discussed and reflected on the themes and messages in the book.

As she answered questions from fourth graders, Golabek touched on those themes. She advised students to stand up for good and take care of each other. She encouraged students to follow their dreams and believe in themselves, even in challenging times. Her message was inspirational and educational. The visit was a great example of the meaningful learning opportunities that benefit Episcopal students as we prepare tomorrow’s leaders for lives of purpose. #SpiritofEpiscopal

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