Biography

Chapse Gerenstein Alexander was born August 23, 1901 in Odessa, Russia. In the 30s he lives in Paris, rue Ramey in the 18th arrondissement,and music publisher (Editions Gerens), he plays several instruments, including piano and wind instruments. November 20, 1943, he was deported to Auschwitz with his wife Chendla Gerenstein Entine. She was assassinated upon his arrival at Birkenau, Alexander survived, after having been trumpet in the orchestra of Auschwitz.

Their children, Maurice, 13 years (who had special gifts as a pianist and composer) and Liliane, age 11, were placed in a children's home in Izieu in the department of Ain, France, where they were arrested on April 6, 1944, and then deported to Birkenau where nine days later they were gassed, upon their arrival.

Alexander Gerenstein survived and emigrated to the United States where he became a composer and was also conductor under the name of Alexander Gerens.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: Geneviève Erramuzpé - Manager to the Maison d'Izieu