Wharton Arts Announces 'A Concert for Peace' Featuring Holocaust-Survivor Violins

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 showcases stringed instruments that survived the Holocaust, meticulously restored by Israeli luthiers Amnon and Avshi Weinstein. These instruments carry poignant stories of their original owners, many of whom were prisoners in ghettos and concentration camps, serving as symbols of survival and hope that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Under the direction of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Helen H. Cha-Pyo, the New Jersey Youth Symphony will perform a carefully curated program featuring works by composers who faced persecution 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 that spans from historical tragedy to human resilience. The performance will be enriched by the participation of the New Jersey Youth Chorus ensembles Coriste and Camerata, as well as the Harmonium Choral Society, with guest artists Asi Matathias and GRAMMY winner Ranaan Meyer adding depth and virtuosity.

Cha-Pyo emphasized the concert's significance, stating it is a profound tribute to human resilience carried by these violins, highlighting 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, emphasizing the importance of educating new generations about the Holocaust while looking toward the future. In addition to the main 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 opportunity to delve deeper into their history and significance.

The Concert for Peace is a testament to the power of art to heal, educate, and unite, creating a multifaceted experience that promises to resonate deeply with audiences and foster understanding 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, events like this serve as powerful reminders of the importance of remembrance, education, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Tickets start at $18 and can be purchased through the Wharton Arts website.