Hope, Resilience, and Copland’s American Symphony

Violins that survived the Holocaust are coming to Milwaukee and you can hear their stories!

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, Festival City Symphony is honored to open our season with a powerful partnership: Violins of Hope – Wisconsin, presented by Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO).

These restored instruments, once played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust, carry stories of resilience, courage, and survival. Hearing them again on stage is both a tribute and a reminder of the enduring strength of the human spirit.

This concert also features our own Principal Cellist, Dr. Stefan Kartman, performing David Diamond’s Kaddish for Cello and Orchestra. Internationally acclaimed as a soloist, chamber musician, and Professor of Cello and Chamber Music at UW-Milwaukee, Dr. Kartman brings extraordinary artistry to this moving work of remembrance.

The program will also include Albinoni’s Adagio, Prokofiev’s Overture on Hebrew Themes, and Copland’s monumental Third Symphony.

📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025
📍 Bradley Symphony Center
🕜 1:30 pm Pre-concert discussion with the Holocaust Education Resource Center
🎶 2:00 pm Concert begins
🎟️ Free admission with suggested donation