Presented by Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO)
Join us in wishing "Bon Voyage" to the 2025 Poland and the Czech Republic Tour.
July 12, 2025 | Sharon Lynne Wilson Center

Composing an era of harmony for our community

In the midst of World War II as Germany battled across Europe, the Holocaust was taking place. Jewish prisoners and others targeted by the Nazis played violins in the ghettos and concentration camps. Many musicians were forced to play; others played them as a form of resistance. Their musical instruments too bore witness to this atrocity.

But today, their music bears witness to this history, rising again, stronger and more vibrant - a testament to survival, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit.

This is the transformative journey of Violins of Hope-Wisconsin.
A collage of old photographs from Violins of Hope of Jewish musicians with a violin laying on top
Photos courtesy of Violins of Hope Pittsburgh residency and Violins of Hope.

Be a Part of the Journey

The Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) is bringing Violins of Hope, a collection of instruments owned and played during the Holocaust, to the Wisconsin community for a five-month residency of educational and cultural programs, exhibits, and performances from September 2025 to January 2026.

Please join us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Poland & Czech Republic MYSO Tour 2025 Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Join us in wishing "Bon Voyage" to the 2025 Poland and the Czech Republic Tour Orchestra.

July 12, 2025   |   Sharon Lynne Wilson Center
Violins of Hope Wisconsin Grand Opening

Join us for the opening of
this historic residency
September 17, 2025

Bearing Witness to History
Join MYSO and the Violins of Hope for this residency, where together we will take action with stories of perseverance, hope, and resilience, prominently featuring the violins and their stories in education, exhibits, community conversations, and performances, connecting their history and honoring the voices of the past while inspiring hope for the future.

 For more information, sign up below.
Violin-maker and Violins of Hope curator Avshalom Weinstein explains how this incredible collection of instruments from the Holocaust came together.
Sign up for updates about Violins of Hope-Wisconsin
Sign up to get the latest updates about programming throughout the state.
Violins of Hope-Wisconsin, beginning in September 2025 through January 2026, is presented by Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) and their community partners along with Violins of Hope.
Milwaukee Youth Symphony orchestra
@ 2025 Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra & Violins of Hope-Wisconsin.