Violins representing Holocaust musicians at McCandless event

Violins played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust will make music once again during “Finding Hope in Harmony: A Violins of Hope Evening with Interfaith Neighbors in the North Hills” Oct. 17.

The free event will be held at the La Roche University’s Zappala College Center Campus Square, located in McCandless.

Violins of Hope of Greater Pittsburgh provides instruments that were played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust that will be played that evening, according to Lynn Zelenski, project manager for Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh.

“Our conversations will be inspired by the lessons of these rescued instruments and the fascinating lessons of hope and resilience that accompany them,” said Sarah White, the executive director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and chief diversity officer at La Roche University.

The instruments will be the main feature of the event, along with a panel discussion by local community leaders, according to White.

“We are fortunate to have several local residents who will play the violins, including some students from the North Hills School District’s orchestra programs. In addition, the program will conclude with words of blessings and prayer from various faith leaders,” she said.

This event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the event. No registration is required.

“Throughout our 60-year history, La Roche has maintained strong community partnerships throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. We welcome this opportunity to foster greater connections across the region to promote peace and justice. The goal of this event is to facilitate dialogue among residents and leaders in the North Hills on how we can best build community with one another across our differences,” White said.

Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh will be presenting programming throughout the Pittsburgh. Over a two-month period, educational and cultural programs and exhibits will give the public access to these instruments.

Currently, a Violins of Hope exhibit featuring the violins is on display at the Posner Center on Carnegie Mellon University’s campus. It is open and free to the public until Nov. 21.

The Pittsburgh organization is an extension of the Violins of Hope program, which gives concerts using a private collection of violins, violas and cellos collected since the end of World War II. Many instruments were donated by or bought from survivors. Some arrived through family members and many simply carry Stars of David.