Violins of Hope, a powerful collection of 70 restored string instruments played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust, will be in Minnesota in May and June 2026. These extraordinary violins will be featured in local performances, exhibitions, and educational programs that honor the memory of the Holocaust and carry a message of hope, resilience, resistance, and unity.
About
Violins of Hope
Israeli violinmakers, Amnon and Avshalom Weinstein, have spent the last 20 years collecting and repairing 70 Holocaust-era violins and other stringed instruments from around the world, some with the Star of David on the back and others with names and dates inscribed within the instrument. Together, they have lovingly located and restored the violins to reclaim their lost heritage, give voice to the victims, and reinforce essential messages of hope, harmony, and humanity.
Violins of Hope has been featured in books, print, film, and television. They have been used in lectures and educational programs worldwide, exhibited in museums, and triumphantly played in concert halls around the globe. Through performances, exhibitions, and educational series, the instruments have impacted and inspired hundreds of thousands of people of all ages.
Violins of Hope has traveled across the globe and has been featured in Rome, Tel Aviv, London, Washington D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and many other cities.
Minnesota Violins of Hope
Schedule of Events
MAY – JUNE 2026
Opening Reception – May 3
Minnesota JCC Symphony Concert & Gallery Opening at the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center
Temple Israel’s VOICES Fundraiser – May 5
Featuring Itzhak Perlman and Avshi Weinstein
MPR’s Westminster Town Hall Forum – May 12
Broadcast live by Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), reaching an
estimated 60,000+ listeners
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra @ The Ordway
• Friday, May 15 · 11 AM
• Saturday, May 16 · 7 PM
• Sunday, May 17 · 2 PM
Minnesota JCC Symphony Concert – May 20
Featuring soloist, Marc Levine @ Minnesota JCC Capp Center
Hamline University– May 31
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church – June 14
Minnesota JCC Annual Meeting – June 23
Media and Marketing
For the latest updates and information about Violins of Hope Minnesota, visit ViolinsofhopeMN.org.
For media inquiries, please contact Katie Kline, Senior Director of Jewish Arts & Culture at the Minnesota JCC, at katiek@minnesotajcc.org.
This Inspiring Initiative Is Being Made Possible Through
Generous Financial Support From:
The Martin & Esther Capp Family Fund of the St. Paul Foundation
Bruce Goodman
Kris & John MacDonald
Rosanne Nathanson
The Waldman, Belzer, Roether Family
Minnesota JCC
Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas
Temple Israel
We are proud to partner with the following community organizations
to present Violins of Hope Minnesota:
Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas
Temple Israel
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
Minnesota Sinfonia
St. Marks Episcopal Church
Minnesota Public Radio
The Museum of Russian Art
Plymouth Congregational Church
Hamline University
The Ordway Theater