Yom HaShoah, 2021 presentation: Stories from the Violins of Hope

Virtual Presentation of Stories from the Violins of Hope

Due to the ongoing pandemic, our World Premiere of Stories from the Vioins of Hope was reimaginged for a new virtual presentation that took place on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at 2PM.

With many thanks to our collaborative partners at The Braid (formerly Jewish Women's Theatre), and the generousity of the Violins of Hope organization and the Weinstein family, we were able to move forward with this exciting virtual experience.

With more than 900 households in attendance for the premiere, from across the globe, and with encore viewings taking place in February and April, the production reached an estimated 1900 households.

Global Attendees:

Argentina
Australia
Belgium
Bolivia
Brazil
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Denmark
Guatemala
Israel
Mexico
Panama
Peru
Poland
Spain
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Venezuela

Here what audience members had to say:

The narration, direction, actors and incredible musicians touched my soul! As a retired Jewish educator, I feel this program should be featured in schools. This was an incredible story that I had never heard of before! Sensitive, well presented, and important!!

This play took my breath away!

I did love that we were witnessing art being created in difficult times about music witnessed in difficult times.

Not only was this a powerful show, it is one of best "Zoom Theatre" performances we have ever seen! It's such a difficult format, and you got it just right!

Deep, moving, touching, and an amazing production. One of the best I have ever seen. I had to sit and be with my feelings and sensations at the end. I could not get right up from my chair. Everything blended together so seamlessly.

Just when I think I have read and heard and seen everything there could possibly be about the Shoah, this comes along. AMAZING!!

Listen to the podcast preview created by The Braid HERE

On Sunday, January 31, 2021 at 2:00 PM, members of the LAJS chamber ensemble joined with The Braid (formerly Jewish Women's Theatre) and Temple Isaiah to present a World Premiere: Stories from the Violins of Hope.

This program tells the story of Amnon Weinstein, Vioins of Hope Founder, and several of these incredible instruments that survived the Holocaust and have been lovingly restored by Amnon and his son Avshi in Tel Aviv.

: Amnon Weinstein, Founder of Violins of Hope

: Violins from the Violins of Hope collection

: Guest Speaker Niv Ashkenazi will play one of the violins from the Violins of Hope collection

The Holocaust had silenced them… until an extraordinary violin-maker brought their voices back to life, and to the world.

Six actors and four musicians bring to life the extraordinary story of violins played in ghettos, forests and concentration camps...and of the passionate Israeli violin maker determined to restore them. Now heard in performances all over the world, they are called the Violins of Hope.

Written by Lisa Rosenbaum
Music curated by Dr. Noreen Green
Performed by members of the LAJS Chamber Players
Directed by Susan Morgenstern
Produced by JWT Artistic Director Ronda Spinak