Violins of Hope

Instruments for Unity

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Reading, Pennsylvania

Events and Programs November 1-14, 2021

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EXPERIENCE THE VIOLINS OF HOPE

A Stunning Exhibit of the Strings of the Holocaust

Plus two weeks of moving events throughout Berks County.

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About

Violins of Hope Reading is a collaborative effort by organizations across Berks County. Each instrument in this collection belonged to an individual with their own unique and personal story. We hope you will learn and share their stories, as an act of remembrance for the many victims of the Holocaust.

Just like our diverse community, these violins and the individuals who played them, came from many different countries and a variety of experiences and faiths. They are connected through music and its ability to speak beyond differences in language, politics or religion. We present Violins of Hope Reading as the start of a community-wide conversation on unity and understanding.

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Violin Stories

"As long as they had their violins, they still had hope." ~ Dr. James Grymes, Author, Violins of Hope

The Sandor Fisher Violin

This violin tells the story of two Holocaust survivors. Born in Hungary in 1925, Valeria Teichner began violin lessons at age 6. In 1944, she was deported to Auschwitz. When boarding the cattle train to the camp, she forgot her violin. Upon disembarking, she went through a “selection,” where she lost her mother and was sent to the music barrack.
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The Lyon, France Violin

In July 1942, thousands of Jews were arrested in Paris and sent by cattle trains to concentration camps to the east, most to Auschwitz. On one of the packed trains was a man holding a violin.
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The German Star of David Violin

This is the most beautiful klezmer violin in the Violins of Hope collection, a first-class handmade instrument that dates to the late 19th century.
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Events

Attend performances, exhibits, and activities throughout Reading

All events have concluded. Please click the link below to see what was previously available.

"For the dead and the living, we must bear witness." Elie Wiesel