Reviving the Legacy: The Remarkable Journey of a Holocaust Survivor’s Music
In a heartwarming tale of resilience and remembrance, Roxanne de Bastion, the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, is on a mission to bring her grandfather’s music back to life. The story begins with a family heirloom – a weathered piano that has been passed down through generations. This piano belonged to Roxanne’s grandfather, Stephen de Bastion, a talented pianist whose promising career was abruptly halted by the horrors of war.
Stephen’s journey from a successful musician in Hungary to a survivor of the Holocaust is both harrowing and inspiring. Through a series of unimaginable twists of fate, he managed to preserve his music and his legacy. Roxanne, driven by a deep desire to connect with her family’s past, embarked on a quest to unearth the stories behind the piano and the man who once played it.
As she delved into her grandfather’s life through old photographs, letters, and recordings, Roxanne uncovered a treasure trove of memories that painted a vivid picture of Stephen’s remarkable life. From his days as a celebrated composer in pre-war Budapest to his struggles as a forced laborer during the Holocaust, Stephen’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Determined to honor her grandfather’s legacy, Roxanne set out to write a book chronicling Stephen’s life and achievements. Titled ‘The Piano Player of Budapest’, the book is a tribute to a man whose music transcended the boundaries of time and tragedy. Alongside the book, Roxanne also curated an album featuring re-recorded versions of her grandfather’s compositions, bringing his music to a new generation of listeners.
The culmination of Roxanne’s efforts came to fruition with a poignant performance at the Royal Albert Hall, marking the first public rendition of Stephen’s music since 1957. As the melodies of the piano filled the prestigious venue, it was a moment of generational healing and a celebration of a legacy reborn.
Through her unwavering dedication and passion, Roxanne has succeeded in reviving the music of a man silenced by history. The release of ‘The Piano Player of Budapest’ and the accompanying album, ‘Songs From The Piano Player of Budapest’, are not just a tribute to Stephen de Bastion, but a testament to the power of perseverance, memory, and the enduring legacy of music.
