The New York City Opera Orchestra and Chorus will present “A Concert for Sugihara” in commemoration of Japanese Vice-Consul to Lithuania, Chiune Sugihara, who saved thousands of Jewish refugees during WWII.

This performance will mark the American Premiere of Lera Auerbach‘s “Symphony No. 6, Vessels of Light” which is dedicated to Sugihara as well as others who have risked their lives for others. Also on the program is “Guardian Angel” by Karen Tanaka. The New York City Opera Orchestra and Chorus and cello soloist Kristina Reiko Cooper will be led under the baton of Constantine Orbelian.

Reiko Cooper has personal connections to Sugihara as her father-in-law was a recipient of a life-saving visa that was distributed by Sugihara. Cooper says in a press release, “Chuine Sugihara’s story deeply touched me, and I felt utterly compelled to help bring this incredible story forward. I could not stop thinking about how my husband and children are alive, that they exist, because of this man’s bravery.”

The concert will take place at Carnegie Hall on April 19 at 7 pm.