Wharton Arts to Host 'A Concert for Peace' Featuring Violins of Hope

Wharton Arts is set to present 'A Concert for Peace,' a poignant musical event featuring the Violins of Hope, on January 12, 2025, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. This concert is not merely a performance but a deep dive into the stories of resilience and survival during one of history's darkest chapters, the Holocaust. The Violins of Hope, restored by Israeli luthiers Amnon and Avshi Weinstein, are instruments that survived the Holocaust, each carrying the legacy of its original owner. These violins, once played in ghettos and concentration camps, now serve as beacons of hope and remembrance.

Under the artistic direction of Helen H. Cha-Pyo, the New Jersey Youth Symphony will perform a selection of 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 feature compositions by Paul Frucht, David Winkler, and Leonard Bernstein, weaving a narrative that spans from tragedy to triumph. The inclusion of the New Jersey Youth Chorus ensembles and the Harmonium Choral Society, along with guest artists Asi Matathias and GRAMMY winner Ranaan Meyer, promises a rich and moving musical experience.

Helen H. Cha-Pyo highlights the concert's significance as a tribute to human resilience, emphasizing the role of young musicians in keeping these stories alive. Courtney Pantirer, a Wharton Arts Trustee, points out the educational importance of the event, especially in today's global context, as a means to educate new generations about the Holocaust while fostering a hopeful outlook towards the future.

Beyond the concert, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a pre-concert talk with Avshi Weinstein, offering insights into the history and restoration of the Violins of Hope. This event, supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ and a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, stands as a testament to the power of art to heal, educate, and unite. In a world still facing intolerance and conflict, 'A Concert for Peace' serves as a reminder of the importance of remembrance and the enduring strength of the human spirit.