(ANNANDALE-on-HUDSON, N.Y.) — The German genocide of Europe’s Gypsy population during World War II will be the focus of a multidisciplinary event, including a concert and panel discussion, at Bard College on Friday, October 17, 2014. A panel discussion titled “Remembering the Genocide of European Roma During World War II” at 4pm will be followed by a performance of Mozart’s Requiem Mass in the Sosnoff Theater of the Fisher Center at 6:30pm. Exploring issues of history and responsibility, the themed event was conceived of by acclaimed Hungarian conductor Ádám Fischer, who will conduct the Requiem Mass. The panel discussion will be held in the La?szlo? Z. Bito? ’60 Conservatory Building. Tickets are free for both events and no reservations are necessary.

The panel discussion, moderated by Bard President Leon Botstein, includes Fischer and leading figures from the fields of history, human rights, and international law, and will explore the history and background of the events of 1944, as well as the current struggle for Roma rights in Europe. “My wish is that we can help by shining light on this dark chapter of human history, by sparking dialogue and countering indifference here in the United States, and by sending a message to be heard by the Romani around the world that they are not alone,” says Fischer.

Panelists include Constantin Iordachi, associate professor of history, Central European University; Margareta Matache, instructor, Harvard University; and Erika Schlager, counsel for international law, U.S. Commission for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Following the panel discussion, Mozart’s Requiem Mass will be performed in the Sosnoff Theater by more than 70 musicians from the Bard College Conservatory Orchestra, Bard Graduate Vocal Arts Program, Bard College Chamber Singers, and members of the chorus of the Longy School of Music of Bard College. James Bagwell is chorus master. Soloists of the Graduate Vocal Arts Program of The Bard College Conservatory of Music include Ju Hye Kim ’16, soprano; Katherine Maysek ’15, mezzo-soprano; Matthew Slipp ’16, tenor; and Andrew Munn ’16, bass.

For more information, contact the Fisher Center box office at fishercenter.bard.edu or call 845-758-7900.