Wharton Arts to Present 'A Concert for Peace' Featuring Holocaust-Surviving Violins

Wharton Arts has announced a landmark event, 'A Concert for Peace,' featuring the Violins of Hope, set to take place on January 12, 2025, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. This concert represents a powerful intersection of history, music, and education, offering a unique opportunity for reflection on the Holocaust and celebration of human resilience.

The Violins of Hope, stringed instruments that survived the Holocaust and were restored by Israeli luthiers Amnon and Avshi Weinstein, will be the centerpiece of the performance. These instruments, once played by prisoners in ghettos and concentration camps, now serve as poignant symbols of survival and hope. The concert will feature performances by the New Jersey Youth Symphony, New Jersey Youth Chorus, and Harmonium Choral Society, along with guest artists, presenting works by composers including Felix Mendelssohn, whose music was banned by the Nazis.

Helen H. Cha-Pyo, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, emphasized the concert's significance, stating, 'It's a profound tribute to the enduring stories of human resilience, carried by these precious violins.' This event not only provides a platform for musical excellence but also serves as an educational tool, bringing Holocaust history to life for new generations.

The concert's timing is particularly relevant, as Wharton Arts Trustee Courtney Pantirer noted, 'Now more than ever it is important to educate and teach this new generation.' By combining historical artifacts with live performance, the event offers a multifaceted approach to Holocaust education and remembrance.

Beyond the main concert, attendees will have additional opportunities to engage with the history behind the Violins of Hope. A pre-concert talk with luthier Avshi Weinstein and a display of the instruments will be available to ticket holders, while a separate roundtable discussion will take place the day before the concert.

This event underscores the role of arts organizations in preserving history, promoting peace, and fostering community dialogue. By bringing together youth performers, professional musicians, and historical artifacts, Wharton Arts is creating a unique platform for intergenerational learning and cultural exchange. The Concert for Peace serves as a reminder of music's power to transcend tragedy and inspire hope, making it a significant cultural event with far-reaching educational and social implications.