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

Wharton Arts has announced a landmark musical event, 'A Concert for Peace,' featuring the renowned Violins of Hope collection. Scheduled for January 12, 2025, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, this concert represents a powerful intersection of history, music, and human resilience. The event will showcase stringed instruments that survived one of history's darkest periods, offering a unique opportunity for reflection and remembrance.

The Violins of Hope are more than mere musical instruments; they are historical artifacts that carry the weight of their past. These violins, some of which were played by prisoners in ghettos and concentration camps during the Holocaust, have been painstakingly restored by Israeli luthiers Amnon and Avshi Weinstein. Their restoration and subsequent use in concerts worldwide serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of music and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Under the direction of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Helen H. Cha-Pyo, the New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS) will perform a program that includes works by Felix Mendelssohn, whose music was banned by the Nazis, as well as pieces by Paul Frucht, David Winkler, and Leonard Bernstein. The inclusion of Mendelssohn's work is particularly significant, highlighting the concert's theme of resilience and cultural preservation in the face of oppression.

The event will also feature performances by two ensembles from the New Jersey Youth Chorus—Coriste and Camerata—alongside the Harmonium Choral Society. Guest artists Asi Matathias and GRAMMY winner Ranaan Meyer will join the young musicians on stage, creating an intergenerational collaboration that bridges past and present.

Helen H. Cha-Pyo emphasized the profound nature of the concert, stating, 'The Concert for Peace with Violins of Hope is more than just a performance—it's a profound tribute to the enduring stories of human resilience, carried by these precious violins.' This sentiment underscores the event's importance as both a musical experience and an educational opportunity.

The concert's significance extends beyond its musical offerings. It serves as a powerful tool for Holocaust education, particularly relevant in an era where firsthand witnesses are becoming fewer. Wharton Arts Trustee Courtney Pantirer highlighted this aspect, noting, 'Now more than ever it is important to educate and teach this new generation.' The event provides a unique platform to share the stories of European Jewry and keep their memories alive through the universal language of music.

In addition to the main concert, attendees will have the opportunity to engage more deeply with the history behind the Violins of Hope. A free pre-concert talk with luthier Avshi Weinstein, accompanied by a display of the instruments, will be held at 1:30 p.m. on the day of the concert. Furthermore, a roundtable discussion and instrument display are scheduled for January 11, offering additional context and insight into these remarkable violins.

The Concert for Peace is made possible through support from various organizations, including the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ and a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. This backing underscores the event's importance not just as a musical performance, but as a cultural and educational initiative with broad community support.

As Wharton Arts' largest independent non-profit community performing arts education center, this concert aligns with their mission to offer accessible, high-quality performing arts education that fosters personal growth and builds inclusive communities. By bringing together young musicians, professional artists, and these historically significant instruments, Wharton Arts is creating a powerful experience that resonates beyond the concert hall, contributing to a broader understanding of history and the enduring power of art in the face of adversity.