Duquesne to Perform First Concert in Violins of Hope Pittsburgh

Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh features instruments played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust that bring incredible stories of hope, resilience and perseverance. Pittsburgh is hosting this treasured collection of instruments, and Duquesne University has joined more than 50 partners to host educational and cultural programs, concerts and exhibits from Saturday, Oct. 7, through Friday, Dec. 8.

Members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Duquesne music students and faculty will perform Violins of Hope on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the PNC Recital Hall. This free concert will feature a variety of music related to the Holocaust, the Jewish experience and attempts made to ban music that wasn’t regarded ideologically or ethnically “pure.” 

Featuring music by David Stock, Hans Gall, Hanns Eisler, Robert Dauber and Moritz Moszkowski, the concert will conclude with Daniel Meyer, director of orchestral activities, leading the University’s Chamber Orchestra on instruments from the Violins of Hope in a performance of Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings. Seating is limited, and an online reservation is required.

“The Mary Pappert School of Music is honored to be hosting the first concert of the Violins of Hope’s visit to Pittsburgh,” said Music Dean David Allen Wehr. “The University’s dedication to religious ecumenism is vital to our mission, and our faculty and guest performers are committed to realizing this inclusion through music. We are especially thrilled that many of our students will be performing on instruments from the Violins of Hope collection itself, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The theme for Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh is Tuning Out Prejudice: Building Bridges that Last.

“As a community that banded together in response to the tragic attack in October 2018, we are especially sensitive to the need for unity in society,” said Sandy Rosen, founding chair of the project. “It is our hope that the music of the violins, the lessons they teach us, and their powerful stories will help to tune out prejudice, and that the exhibits, concerts, and programs presented by Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh will create a path to a future free from hatred. 

“We are likewise thrilled that the Mary Pappert School of Music and Duquesne University have chosen to partner with the Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh for this amazing celebration of music and its ability to sustain mankind and bring us together at this unique moment in history,” Rosen added. “We hope that the stories within each violin in the Collection inspire each and every one of us to search deep within our souls and realize our strength in unity.”