Some are over 100 years old.
But string instruments rescued from the Holocaust have a new life, thanks to Violins of Hope.
On November 16 (7 p.m., Norwalk Concert Hall), they’ll be featured in a unique performance by the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra.
The concert — set for the week after the anniversary of Kristallnacht — highlights the first-ever local visit of Violins of Hope, a private collection of violins, violas and cellos painstakingly restored by violin-makers based in Tel Aviv and Istanbul.
The instruments — which belonged to Jews before and during the Holocaust, some of which were played in concentration camps or thrown from cattle cars — will also be displayed at high schools, synagogues and churches throughout Fairfield County. The week-long visit features cultural exhibits, performances and community education, with a message of hope, resilience and unity.
Violins of Hope has been featured in print, film and television. The instruments have been used in educational programs worldwide, exhibited in museums, and played in concert halls from Berlin and Tel Aviv to Los Angeles and Washington.
The Violins of Hope visit, coordinated by the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County, is underwritten in part by donations from Westporters Andy and Carol Boas.
“With the startling rise of antisemitism and swastikas etched on lockers in our schools, our role in the community is more important than ever,” says Shelley Kreiger, founding director of the Holocaust Resource Center of the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County.
“The Nazis used music to humiliate and degrade Jews in ghettos and camps. The NSO concert, and the entire Violins of Hope program, are the ultimate answer to their plan to annihilate a people and instead represent the victory of the human spirit over evil and hatred.”
“Norwalk Symphony Orchestra is truly honored to join with the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County to bring music to life using the Violins of Hope for our community,” says Sandra Miklave, NSO’s executive director.
“We know the healing power of music, and this is multiplied as we play these truly historic instruments. It will be a meaningful and uplifting experience for both the audience and the musicians on the stage.”
The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra will also partner with the Jewish Federation for a children’s concert and instrument “petting zoo” on November 17 at the Discovery Science Center and Planetarium in Bridgeport.
The event includes science demonstrations and musical activities for young families. All proceeds from both events support the educational work of the Holocaust Resource Center of Greater Fairfield County.
Organizers have donated 2 tickets to “06880.” They will go to the first reader who requests them. Email 06880blog@gmail.com, with the subject line “Violins of Hope tickets.” UPDATE: The tickets have already been claimed.
Tickets for students, educators and Holocaust survivors are free. Other readers can get a 60% discount. Click here, then use the code “VOH-60.”
