Violins of Hope

Building Bridges Through the Power of Music

February 10-15, 2025

Violins of Hope is an extraordinary collection of 70 restored string instruments, played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust. Lovingly restored by Israeli violinmaker Amnon Weinstein and his son, Avshalom Weinstein, each violin carries a unique story of resilience. These instruments have traveled the globe and now, they return to Jacksonville to inspire and educate our community.

Title Sponsor: Dr. Eugene and Brenda Wolchok

Concert

Music Director Courtney Lewis conducts the Jacksonville Symphony and Jacksonville Symphony Chorus in a moving performance. Symphony musicians will play on Violins of Hope instruments with readings provided in between the musical selections.

February 15, 2025 7:30 pm

Jacoby Symphony Hall

Educational Events

Community educational events will foster dialogue, inclusion and understanding between diverse communities through panelist discussions, ensemble performances and a display of Violins of Hope instruments. There is no cost to attend these events, but registration is required as spaces are limited.

February 10, 2025 7:00 pm

(Made possible with support from the Together Strong Community Fund)

University of North Florida

February 11, 2025 7:00 pm

Jacksonville Public Library

February 12, 2025 5:00 pm

Congregation Ahavath Chesed

Thank you to our sponsors

Dr. Eugene and
Brenda Wolchok

Drs. Anne and Robert Lufrano
Henri Landwirth Family Advised Fund
Together Strong Community Fund
The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida

Shorstein Family Foundation
Richard and Kimberly Sisisky
Carolyn and Elliot Zisser
Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida
William and Lisa Libman
Jared and Hilary Libman
Steven Libman and Carol Killworth
Stephen and Judith Silverman
Dr. Warner Webb and Sherrie Calvert Webb
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel M. Edelman

As of November 26, 2024

Thank you to the following community members for volunteering their time to the Violins of Hope Advisory Council:

Elizabeth Anderson, One Jax
Cecelia Cristol, Jewish Family & Community Services
Dr. Barbara Darby, Jacksonville Symphony Board
Mariam Feist, Jewish Federation & Foundation for Northeast Florida
Rabbi Maya Glasser, Congregation Ahavath Chesed
Stacey Goldring, Searching for Identity Foundation
Elyse Gustafson, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd
Rodney Hurst, Civil Rights Activist and Historian
Dr. Courtney Krolikoski, Jacksonville University
Anne Lufrano, Retired Jacksonville Symphony Board Member
Patricia McElroy, VyStar Foundation
Patrick Nolan, University of North Florida
Isaiah Oliver, Community Foundation of Northeast Florida
Lior Spring, Miller Family Foundation
Brenda Wolchok, Retired Jacksonville Symphony Board Member