Bronislaw Huberman The F. Blumental Music Center and Library/Huberman Archive

Some stories get lost in the turmoil of their times. It is often only in retrospect that we can discover the true shapers of history. One such man is the prodigious Polish violinist Bronislaw Huberman. Orchestra of Exiles explores this great man’s 4-year odyssey, which culminates in the founding of the orchestra that would become the Israel Philharmonic. His fascinating story touches many of the major themes of the 20th century and the unfolding drama of his life is riveting.

During the darkest days of a Europe being torn apart by anti- Semitism and Nazi aggression, Huberman’s extraordinary efforts saved hundreds of Jewish families from the approaching holocaust and his achievements changed the landscape of cultural history. Before the Nazis came to power Huberman was focused only on building his own monumental career but witnessing Hitler’s agenda was a call to action that Huberman could not ignore. Huberman’s personal transformation and subsequent heroic struggle to get Jewish musicians out of Europe to found this orchestra will be at the heart of this film.

Credits: Director/Producer - Josh Aronson Co-Producer - Wieland Schulz-Keil Executive Producer - Dorit Straus Archivist - Nina Krstic

Photo by Nancy Kennedy

2009 is the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's historic trip up the Hudson River. To celebrate and promote this Quadricentennial year, Aronson Films is producing 20-25 short Hudson River Valley-themed films in an effort to build awareness and enthusiasm for the anniversary celebrations taking place this year. Film subjects will be diverse ranging from a portrait of a landscape painter to the birth of environmentalism; from the story of a Coast Guard
icebreaker maintaining the Hudson channel to the perspective of a present-day lighthouse keeper. WNET (Thirteen) is the presenting New York station for PBS's nine statewide affiliates.

Airing on New York PBS Stations throughout 2010