The sound of violins fills the air—rich, haunting, and steeped in history.
These violins are not merely instruments; they are the voices of the past.
The Violins of Hope project has restored a collection of violins, once played during the Holocaust, and now they are being used to teach history through music. This initiative gives these instruments a new purpose, allowing them to serve as powerful reminders of the past.
Lisa Kosier, a music educator at Tate’s School, shared her thoughts: “To witness these beautiful instruments that have survived through time brings the reality of history into focus. It’s something we can see, feel, and touch, which helps us connect with the experiences of those who lived through it.”
The violins have arrived in Knoxville, where they are being played by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra in a series of school presentations. The purpose of these performances is to combine history and music, ensuring that the stories of those who once played these violins are never forgotten.
For Mollie Gunter, a Tate’s School student who has been playing the violin for eight years, the experience was especially moving.
“It makes the violin stand out among other instruments,” Gunter said. “It makes me feel like I’m doing something meaningful with it.”
The project encourages students and audiences to reflect on the lessons of the Holocaust and take action to prevent such atrocities from occurring again. Nazi Germany’s organized genocide resulted in the deaths of approximately six million Jewish people.
Debra Rubinsky, a volunteer presenter, emphasized the project’s message: “The violins challenge us to speak up, to question, and to ensure that our actions align with the values we want to uphold.”
The journey of these violins will culminate in a special performance on April 8, when the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Tennessee Theatre, playing these historical instruments in a night of remembrance and reflection.
“Even in the darkest times, hope can survive,” Rubinsky said.
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