A Special Performance by the Author

Music, Love, and Survival

Mona Golabek began learning piano from her mother when she was four years old. Sitting at the piano, Mona heard vivid tales of Lisa’s journey from her home in Vienna to the rambling hostel at 243 Willesden Lane in London. These stories stayed with Mona as she grew up to become an accomplished concert pianist herself, and they led her to write The Children of Willesden Lane.

In this performance, Mona Golabek dramatically retells her mother’s story, weaving into it the music that was so central to Lisa’s life.

Click at right to watch Mona’s entire performance, or choose a part of the performance from the menu box, above right. Discussion questions are provided to help teachers and students use this performance in the classroom.