Little Joe and Annette find themselves in a bind when their sick mother needs milk but they have no money. Spotting the organ-grinder, Brundibár, playing his hurdy-gurdy and gathering coins from the townsfolk, the siblings try their luck at singing to make the money they need. Upon doing so, however, they are met with ridicule and shooed away by the arrogant Brundibár.
As dusk descends, animals rally around the children, urging them to take a stand against the oppressive organ grinder. The next morning, with the support of the local children, Little Joe and Annette sing a lullaby, bringing the townsfolk together who then generously contribute coins. Brundibár attempts to pilfer their earnings, and a chase ensues, ending with his capture as the triumphant children celebrate with a victory song.
Composed before the turmoil of World War II, "Brundibár" found its stage in the Theresienstadt Jewish camp-ghetto, defying the horrors of the Holocaust with its resilient spirit. Its performances became the only time the children were allowed to remove their yellow stars. Despite the ever-changing cast due to deportations to extermination camps, the opera endured, embodying the power of art amidst unthinkable adversity. With numerous performances worldwide, "Brundibár" stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit during the darkest times.
