Pittsburgh has long been known as the City of Bridges, with a multitude of these unique and colorful structures that connect our communities and our diverse backgrounds. These connectors have enabled us to come together to celebrate our shared cultural, educational, social, and vocational activities.
How better to underscore these shared values than through a landmark collaboration of the arts, religious institutions, community organizations, education professionals, and musicians.
Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh will also present impactful programming throughout our community, reinforcing the valuable lessons of diversity, equity, and inclusion that are essential to our future.
Over the course of two months, through educational and cultural programs and exhibits, this unique project will, through lessons of the Holocaust, demonstrate humanity’s amazing ability to rebound from even the darkest depravity. The centerpiece of this event is the Violins of Hope Exhibit, which showcases violins played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust. Each instrument has a unique emotional history that tells a story of perseverance and hope.
As a community that has already experienced attacks of hatred and division, Pittsburgh is especially sensitive to the need for unity. Thus, it is our hope that this landmark project will bring our community together, tuning out prejudice and building bridges that last.
The Violins of Hope Exhibit relates remarkable stories of string instruments played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust. Each surviving instrument has a unique and inspiring story that connects both young and old to the history of the Holocaust in a deeply emotional, personal, and relatable way. Paralleling lessons of the past to present day issues is key to creating a future where diversity, equality, and inclusion are valued.
This one-of-a-kind exhibit will be housed at the Posner Center on Carnegie Mellon University’s campus. It will be open, free to the public (ticket required), from October 7-November 21, 2023. Individuals can experience the exhibit on their own or be guided by a trained docent. Group tours will also be available. More information can be found at https://violinsofhopepittsburgh.com/#about.
In addition to the exhibit on the CMU campus, Violins of Hope will present a variety of impactful programming throughout our region designed to reach a broad audience to reinforce the valuable lessons of diversity, equity, and inclusion. For a full schedule of exhibits throughout the Pittsburgh area, go to https://violinsofhopepittsburgh.com/events-pittsburgh/
Local events are scheduled for:
East Suburbs Interfaith Evening, Thursday, October 19, 7 pm, Gateway High School Auditorium
https://violinsofhopepittsburgh.com/event/east-suburbs-interfaith-evening-2/
Violins rescued from the Holocaust, played by Gateway students, will share their stories through voice and melody. The backstory of the violins will be shared historically, geographically, and most importantly through the hands that played them. Attendees who enter as soloists will emerge as a symphony of purpose and hope.
East Suburbs Remembrance for Kristallnacht, Thursday, November 9, 7 pm, Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish, St. Bernadette https://violinsofhopepittsburgh.com/event/east-suburbs-remembrance-for-kristallnacht/
The Night of Broken Glass (Kristallnacht) which occurred in Germany in 1938 was seen as the launch of the Holocaust. In the years that followed, more than glass would be shattered: families torn apart, businesses ruined, people across nations who would lose their lives simply because they were Jews, and the downfall of humanity. Through personal stories, poetry, and song accompanied by violins rescued from the Holocaust, together we will heal brokenness then and now.
