Wharton Arts Announces 'A Concert for Peace' Featuring Historic Violins of Hope

Wharton Arts has announced 'A Concert for Peace,' featuring the Violins of Hope, scheduled for January 12, 2025, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. This concert presents stringed instruments that survived the Holocaust, restored by Israeli luthiers Amnon and Avshi Weinstein, carrying the stories of their original owners from ghettos and concentration camps. These instruments now serve as symbols of survival and hope, resonating with audiences worldwide through their historical and emotional significance.

Under Artistic Director Helen H. Cha-Pyo, the New Jersey Youth Symphony will perform a program featuring works by composers persecuted during the Nazi era, including Felix Mendelssohn, whose music was banned by the Third Reich. The concert will also include pieces by Paul Frucht, David Winkler, and Leonard Bernstein, creating a musical narrative from historical tragedy to human resilience. The performance will be enriched by the New Jersey Youth Chorus ensembles Coriste and Camerata, the Harmonium Choral Society, and guest artists Asi Matathias and GRAMMY winner Ranaan Meyer, adding depth and virtuosity to the event.

Cha-Pyo emphasized that the concert is a profound tribute to human resilience, carried by these violins, and highlighted the importance of bringing these stories to life through young musicians and intergenerational choruses. Wharton Arts Trustee Courtney Pantirer underscored the educational value, noting that each instrument's history shares the story of European Jewry and keeps memories alive, crucial for educating new generations about the Holocaust while looking toward the future. In addition to the concert, ticket holders are invited to a free pre-concert talk with luthier Avshi Weinstein, including a display of the Violins of Hope, offering a unique educational opportunity to delve into their history.

The Concert for Peace is a testament to art's power to heal, educate, and unite, creating a multifaceted experience that fosters understanding and promotes peace through music. This program has received support from the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ and a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, highlighting its cultural and educational significance. As communities worldwide grapple with intolerance and conflict, such events serve as reminders of the importance of remembrance, education, and the human spirit's enduring strength. Tickets start at $18 and can be purchased through the Wharton Arts website, promising an unforgettable experience of remembrance, reflection, and renewal.