Violins of Hope is a project of concerts and events that showcase a private collection of violins, violas, and cellos that were collected since the end of World War II. Many of the instruments belonged to Jews before and during the war and were donated, bought from survivors, or arrived through family members. Violin-makers Amnon and Avshalom Weinstein, father and son, who work in Tel Aviv and Istanbul own this collection and dedicate their expertise and endless love to ensure that the instruments, most of which were rather cheap and unsophisticated, get a new beautiful makeover with a fantastic sound.
The project offers concerts, educational programs, and exhibitions that reach young students and adults wherever they are performed. The concerts bring together people of all faiths and backgrounds and every project is accompanied by an extensive educational program, including an exhibition of over 40 instruments and their individual stories. Violins of Hope will have several concerts and events in April, May, and June, including concerts, brunches, workshops, and an afternoon of music for kids.
The series begins this Sunday, April 23rd at Spurlock Museum. This special performance will feature musical world premieres, shadow puppetry and marionettes, dancers, and visual artists from seven countries, followed by a dessert reception sponsored by Illini Chabad after the performance.
You may visit the Violins of Hope website, or the Violins of Hope page on the CU Jewish Federation website to learn more. The Champaign Urbana Jewish Federation, in partnership with JCC Chicago, is sponsoring this series of concerts and events.
Violins of Hope Opening Concert
Spurlock Museum
600 S Gregory Street
Urbana
Su Apr 23rd, 5:30 p.m.
Free
