Dr. Jocelyn Vorenberg, violinist with the Richmond Symphony, will give the livestream performance, Violins of Hope: A Musician's Perspective, featuring an instrument from the Violins of Hope Richmond exhibit.
The Violins of Hope are reclaimed violins from the Holocaust. The touring exhibit tells their remarkable stories and remembers the Jewish musicians who played them during one of history’s darkest times. The violins are on display locally at three partnering museums: The Virginia Holocaust Museum, The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.
Samuel Asher, Executive Director of the Virginia Holocaust Museum, began negotiations to bring Violins of Hope to Richmond in 2017. “I saw the Violins of Hope concert in Nashville and I just knew that we had to have it here,” he said.
This marks the first time that the exhibit has been to the Mid-Atlantic region. Violins of Hope Richmond also represents the first time that three museums have partnered with a local symphony to host the exhibit and the first time that a Black history museum has been a partner for the exhibit.
VPM Classical Music host, Mike Goldberg, commented about the importance of this exhibit to our region: “It is an honor for me to work on a project with such historical significance. The exhibits and concerts aim to initiate meaningful conversations about tolerance and social justice, something that is so important in the world today.”
He will interview Dr. Vorenberg prior to her performance Thursday night. Portions of Violins of Hope: A Musician's Perspective will be replayed on Goldberg’s show, Breakfast Classics in early September.
He went on to say, “I look forward to sharing the thoughts and feelings from our local Richmond musicians, as they play on these amazing instruments which have their own remarkable stories.”
Dr. Vorenberg also spoke about performing with a violin that holds such a rich history and important story.
“It’s amazing to be playing on these instruments and major kudos to Sam Asher for bringing this project to Richmond,” Vorenberg remarked. “Each instrument is a priceless object and then bringing them to life by giving them a singing voice through music - specifically the fine playing by Richmond Symphony musicians - takes it to a whole new level.”
In addition to Violins of Hope: A Musician's Perspective, the Richmond Symphony will provide numerous opportunities for the community to hear the violins’ music and story. They will be featured at performances throughout the region, including at a September 9 concert at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and a September 10 concert at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Because the goal of Violins of Hope Richmond is to initiate deeper, more meaningful conversations about tolerance and social justice, along with educating people about the horrors of the Holocaust, the tour will also offer an online educational event on September 14 at 7pm, “The Sound of Hope: Music as Solace, Resistance and Salvation During the Holocaust and World War II.”
Watch the video short below for more information on the Violins of Hope Richmond.
Visit Violins of Hope Richmond at their three locations through October 24. Admission to the Virginia Holocaust Museum is free, but there is a small admission fee for the Black History Museum and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.
Tune into Violins of Hope: A Musician's Perspective 7 p.m., August 26 on VPM’s Facebook page, and listen to the recorded interview and performance on Breakfast Classics 8-10 a.m. September 4 on VPM Music, 107.3 FM and 93.1 FM.
