(Elgin, Illinois) Ten violins that were played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust are on display at Gail Borden Public Library at 270 N. Grove, Elgin, IL. Part of the collection of the Violins of Hope project, the instruments have been lovingly restored. The community is invited to view the violins and learn about the stories of the musicians. Please read Courier News coverage by Gloria Casas.
The Violins of Hope are coming from the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago (JCC Chicago). This international sensation showcases Jewish stories of resilience, resistance and unity through the power of musical performance.
“Through hands-on experiences of performance, learning about their unique stories, and thinking into the future with the powerful knowledge of the ability of the human spirit to overcome hate and evil, we aspire to make a difference for all who experience this amazing project,” said Ilene Uhlmann, JCC Chicago’s Director of Community Engagement and Violins of Hope.
April 24, Opening Event at 7 pm - Main Library. The community is invited to meet Israeli Violins of Hope co-founder Avshi Weinstein, hear music by the Chamber on the Fox and
hear an original poem by Elgin Poet Laureate, Gareth Mann.
The Library is offering docent-led tours of the exhibit (https://gbpl.info/VOHtours).
Library officials are honored to host this exhibit. The Library is open 71 hours per week and has plenty of free parking.
To read the full press release and view information about when the Violins of Hope will be played, please visit https://gailborden.info/violinsofhope.
Please watch for exhibits and or programs at additional libraries including Northbrook, Vernon Hills, Skokie, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Aurora and Joliet.