Helen Colijn graduated from high school in Holland, went on a trip to the Dutch East Indies, and stayed because of the war in Europe. She was still there when Japan attacked in December 1941 and in March 1942 when the Indies capitulated. For Colijn, her father, mother and two sisters’ internment began, all in separate camps, lasting three and a half years. Life was harsh but a “vocal orchestra” helped women survive. Her father died. Her mother was reunited with her daughters. Colijn married in California and had a daughter. Her sister Antoinette donated her vocal orchestra scores from the camp to Stanford University. In many countries, people are singing or listening to this music and finding solace. Helen wrote two books on Holland (Of Dutch Ways and The Backroads of Holland) and was co-producer of the documentary film, Song of Survival. She passed away in 2006.

 

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