Dear Erich, A Jazz Opera by Ted Rosenthal

Music by Ted Rosenthal; Story by Ted Rosenthal; Libretto by Ted and Lesley Rosenthal; Inspired by letters by Herta Rosenthal and family; Translated by Dr. Peter Schmidt; Additional libretto/lyrics: Barry Singer, E.M. Lewis, Edward Einhorn

Dear Erich was commissioned by New York City Opera and received its world premiere January 9-13, 2019, at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City. Dear Erich was inspired by 200 newly discovered letters written in Germany between 1938 and 1941 by Herta Rosenthal to her son Erich, the composer's father. 

Erich, a Jewish academic, escaped Nazi Germany to the U.S. shortly before Kristallnacht. The opera tells the story of a family's dual fates. Erich's journey to a new life in the new world - his studies, jazz and love -  while the situation deteriorates in Germany and his family ultimately meets their cruel demise at the hands of the Nazis. Frustrated and powerless to help them emigrate, Erich must live with deep survivor guilt which affects him in his relationships with his wife and children.

Composer Ted Rosenthal is a leading jazz pianist and composer, and has performed worldwide as soloist, with his trio and with many jazz greats.