This violin belonged to Dr. Leon Schatzberg-Sawicki (1918–2008). He was born in Colomja, Poland, and later settled in New York. A gifted musician, he graduated from the Lwów Conservatory in 1938 before beginning medical studies at Lwów University, where he earned his degree in May 1941. That same year, he married fellow student Ella Schrenzel.
During the Nazi occupation (1941–1944), he assumed the Polish name Sawicki with the aid of false identity papers. Throughout those years he played this violin across Poland—in street corners, restaurants, and makeshift bands—while Ella supported them by tutoring Polish children.
Liberated by Soviet forces in July 1944, Leon and Ella went on to live long lives, raising children and grandchildren. The violin he carried with him remains as a witness to both his music and his survival.
