Violins of Hope : a message of hope and peace

Master Violin Maker Amnon Weinstein rescued 26 violins from dust and despair and the tragedy of the Holocaust. He brought them back to life and today one can hear them played in concerts and at events, see them in exhibitions, and learn their stories through lectures and films.

Violins of Hope offers concerts, films, lectures, and an exhibition that convey a message of peace to be passed on to future generations as a powerful symbol of hope. These Violins are a human testimony that will bring people together, bearing the unspoken silence of 'never again'.

Concerts

Strong emotions, goose bumps, deep respect and admiration are common reactions of both the audience and the artists at the concerts. Violins of Hope have travelled to Paris, Jerusalem, Sion, Madrid and Maastricht to give voice to the lost generation. Watch some of the latest events and experience the emotion.

Exhibition of Violins of Hope

Violins of Hope travel around the world to be shown in museums, theatres, halls and other venues. People get a chance to view the instruments close up, often accompanied by a photo exhibition of Lucille Reyboz, who undertook a special and impressive photo shoot of the violins. See some of Violins of Hope photos.

Film - When music meets history

"Amnon’s Journey" is a documentary film about Amnon Weinstein’s search for the lost violins. In an effort to document this story, an emotional visit to the barracks of Auschwitz took place in 2008. Shlomo Mintz played in the exact spot where a Jewish orchestra performed in the wind and snow, accompanying prisoners with music on their march of survival or death.

"Defiance" – the true story of a partisan family

Defiance, a true story about the Bielski brigade, a partisan family, who managed to survive more than 3 years in the forest of Belarus. On the day of freedom 1,230 lives were saved. Assaela Bielski, Amnon Weinstein’s wife, is the daughter of one of the Bielski brothers. Several major actors appear in this Hollywood film: Daniel Craig (Tuvia Bielski), Live Schriver (her uncle Zush), and Jamie Bell who plays her father – Assael Bielski.

Lectures around the Violins of Hope

Special educational lectures are organized to meet students, musicians and the audience to bear witness to the violins’ stories. The background of each instrument is explained and its sound can be heard: an unforgettable, intense and emotional experience.