ENTERTAINMENT : Tribute to Liberation : Shony Alex Braun, a death camp survivor, will perform his ‘Symphony of the Holocaust’ on the 50th anniversary of the rescue.

When Shony Alex Braun performs his “Symphony of the Holocaust” with the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony at Valley Beth Shalom on Sun day night, it will be the 50th anniversary to the day of his liberation by American troops from the death camp in Dachau.

“He’ll be telling his story at the concert,” says Noreen Green, symphony conductor and music director. “It’s fascinating how he survived.”

The concert, titled “Gesher L’ Chayim” (Bridge to Life), will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust and celebrate the emergence of the state of Israel. The program will also include “A Study for Strings” by Pavel Haas, a Czech composer who died at Auschwitz; “Cantata Seasons” by William Hilsley, 84, a Holocaust survivor who lives in Holland; and Aminadav Aloni’s “Or-Ha-am,” a piece that celebrates the state of Israel.

Additionally, Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis will read his poem, “Who Are They to Me?,” dedicated to Christian rescuers of Jews during the Holocaust. He will be accompanied by the orchestra performing “Suite From Schindler’s List” by John Williams.

Braun, who lost his parents and two siblings to the Nazis, was a 13-year-old violin prodigy when he and his family were first taken to the concentration camp at Auschwitz. After the war, he attended the Academy of Music in Munich, the Mozarteum in Salzburg and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. He eventually came to Los Angeles and worked as a musician and composer.

“He’s very soft-spoken,” Green says, “a gentleman of the highest order with an Old World gentility that you don’t find very often.”

The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony, conducted by Noreen Green, will present “Gesher L’ Chayim” (Bridge to Life) at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. Tickets are $18 general, $36 reserved seating, $10 seniors and students. Tickets will be available at the door. Call (818) 753-6681.

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SPRING THING: The seventh annual CSUN May Music Festival will feature a little of everything: classical, jazz, chamber music and even a bit of “Star Trek.”

Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura, the communications officer in the original “Star Trek” television series and films, is slated to perform in one of the festival’s concerts May 13. But what kind of material will Nichols perform? Venusian Fusion?

Actually, Nichols will sing a program of pop standards and show tunes, says CSUN Symphony Musical Director David Aks. Included will be “Summertime,” from “Porgy & Bess”; “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” from “Jesus Christ Superstar”; and “La Vie En Rose,” made famous by Edith Piaf. Prior to “Star Trek,” Nichols was a singer and dancer who toured with Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton.

Nichols, along with guest artist Brock Peters, will be accompanied by the CSUN Symphony in the new Performing Arts Center in the University Student Union. Aks admits this pop material is not the usual fare of the symphony, but for the professional musician, this type of material “is very much a part of our world and our business,” so, it’s a good experience for the students.

The CSUN May Music Festival will open at 8 tonight with a concert by the CSUN Symphony featuring the school’s Concerto Competition winners.

“Both these students play just wonderfully,” Aks says. “It’s a chance to showcase our finest students.”

Hayden’s Concerto No. 2 in D for Cello will feature competition winner, cellist Timothy Loo. The other winner, pianist Jenny Mah, will perform Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G.

The International Chamber Ensemble of Rome, a 33-piece group from Italy, will perform works by Mozart, Beethoven, Rossini and Mendelssohn at 8 p.m. Saturday. The ensemble is conducted by Francesco Carotenuto and will feature pianist Marisa Candeloro. The group’s 1995 U.S. tour has been made possible by a grant from the Italian government. Proceeds from the program, which is part of the CSUN Guest Artists Series, will benefit scholarship funds in the music and foreign language departments.

Jazz singer Mark Murphy will perform with the CSUN Jazz “A” Band at 8 p.m. May 6. Murphy, a six-time Grammy nominee, will be joined by saxophonist Pete Christlieb and pianist Tom Garvin.

Other scheduled festival concerts feature the CSUN Wind Ensemble, the Northridge Singers, the Chamber Singers and the CSUN Youth orchestras.

Most of the festival concerts will be in the new Performing Arts Center of the University Student Union. Aks says the venue is “fabulous,” and with it and the newly refurbished Recital Hall, CSUN will play an increasing role in the local music scene, he predicts.

The CSUN May Music Festival will begin with a concert featuring the school’s symphony with its Concerto Competition winners at 8 tonight in the University Student Union, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge (Enter Parking Lot C from Zelzah Street). Tickets are $6.50 general, $3.50 students and seniors. For a complete festival schedule, call (818) 885-3180.

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LOVE SONGS: Chris Taylor knows he’s sort of a musical anachronism. In the hyperbolic 1990s where the accent is on youth and excess, he’s a middle-aged guy who sings tender, heartfelt ballads. That kind of thing might be OK for Tony Bennett, but not too many newcomers plow that field. Good thing Taylor has a day job. He pays the rent by working as a graphic designer. He sings because he loves it.

“All my life I wanted to sing,” Taylor says in a rich baritone. “When I was 50, I realized if I’m ever going to do what I want to do, I’d better do it now.”

Taylor realizes the difficult road that he’s taken, and that most people think it’s insane.

“I don’t seem to have any choice in the matter,” he says. “I keep singing, and will continue until someone hears me.”

Taylor will perform “What Matters Most,” his show of classic pop tunes by lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman, at 8 p.m. May 11 at Monteleone’s West in Tarzana. He will be accompanied by pianist Wayland Pickard.

In addition to winning Oscars for best song for “The Way We Were” (1973) and “The Windmills of Your Mind” (1968), the Bergmans have supplied lyrics for a large body of work, mostly for music in films and television. Taylor named his show after his favorite tune by the husband and wife team, featuring music by Dave Grusin.

“I have an affinity for their words,” Taylor says. “I’m constantly impressed by their craftsmanship.”

“What Matters Most,” an evening of songs by Alan and Marilyn Bergman featuring Chris Taylor, begins at 8 p.m. May 11 at Monteleone’s West, 19337 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. No cover, dinner or two-drink minimum. Call (818) 996-0662.