Presented in partnership with Milim and GSAL, this event marks the Leeds debut of one of Canada’s most celebrated musical groups. Based at The Royal Conservatory in Toronto, the ARC Ensemble is internationally acclaimed for its mission to uncover and revive music suppressed under 20th-century totalitarian regimes. Their performances, recognised with Grammy and Juno nominations, are as emotionally stirring as they are historically important.

Music in Exile showcases works by Jewish composers whose careers were disrupted or destroyed by fascism, antisemitism, and war. The evening’s repertoire includes poignant, rediscovered gems by Walter Kaufmann, Alberto Hemsi, Frederick Block, Robert Müller-Hartmann, and Szymon Laks—composers who were displaced, imprisoned, or silenced, yet whose musical voices still resonate powerfully today.

The ARC Ensemble’s performances are a unique blend of musical mastery and cultural restoration. The group is comprised of senior faculty from The Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School and includes world-class performers such as violinists Erika Raum and Marie Bérard, violist Steven Dann, cellist Thomas Wiebe, clarinettist Joaquin Valdepeñas, and pianist Kevin Ahfat.

This Leeds performance follows ARC’s acclaimed appearances at major international venues including London’s Wigmore Hall, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, New York’s Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Their work has also been featured in the award-winning documentary EXIT: MUSIC, which tells the powerful stories behind the music and the lives it honours.

Whether you’re a classical music enthusiast, a history lover, or simply looking for an evening of exceptional artistry with deep emotional resonance, Music in Exile promises to be a remarkable experience both a celebration of musical brilliance and a tribute to resilience and memory.