Violins and Hope: From the Holocaust to Symphony Hall

Amnon Weinstein, an Israeli master luthier, restores violins that survived the Holocaust and uses them in performances by young musicians and orchestras to bring the past owners back to life. Daniel Levin's photographs document Weinstein's collection, workshop, and restoration processes, transforming tragic loss into triumph. Franz Welser-Möst, Music Director of the Cleveland Orchestra, writes the foreword, and Assi Weinstein discusses the project's enduring legacy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: George F. Thompson

Amnon Weinstein, an Israeli master luthier (violin maker), embarked on a project more than a decade ago that stands as one of the most innovative, impactful, and awe-inspiring approaches to Holocaust education. Trained by three of the most revered Cremona, Italian luthiers of the twentieth century, Weinstein's vision was to restore violins that survived the concentration camps and the ghettos, even when their owners often did not. To date, over seventy violins have been restored to their highest playable condition. Following restoration, these hauntingly beautiful instruments have been performed by symphonies in Berlin, Cleveland, Istanbul, London, Quebec, Paris, San Francisco, and many other cities across the world. Purposefully, Weinstein ensures that young musicians, as well as members of some of the world's most renowned orchestras, perform on them to packed concert halls. In doing so, it's as if the past owners of the instruments return to fill the listener-observers mind and body.

In Violins and Hope, Daniel Levin has created the most compelling and beautiful series of photographs documenting Weinstein's collection of violins, his workshop in Tel Aviv, and his processes for restoration. This book is not a document of place, as much as it is a document of the ethereal. For what Weinstein has done with these lost violins has been to transform tragic loss into triumph in the most inciteful and powerful way imaginable. The care that Levin has taken to hone in on the idiosyncrasies of Amnon's workshop, and his uncanny ability to celebrate the beauty of light, is nothing short of remarkable. The book's foreword is written by arguably the most well-suited individual anywhere. Born in Austria, Franz Welser-Möst is one of the most acclaimed conductors of the twenty-first century.

Weinstein's journey began when he was just a teenager, apprenticed to a renowned Cremona luthier. He spent years learning the trade, honing his skills, and perfecting his craft. However, it was not until he was in his early twenties that he began to focus on restoring violins that had been damaged or destroyed during the Holocaust. He was driven by a deep sense of empathy and a desire to honor the memory of those who had lost their instruments and their lives.

Weinstein's restoration process is meticulous and intricate. He begins by carefully examining the violin, assessing its condition, and determining the best course of action. He may use traditional methods, such as repairing cracks and replacing strings, or he may employ modern techniques, such as 3D printing and laser welding. He works tirelessly to restore each violin to its former glory, ensuring that it is playable and sounding as beautiful as it ever did.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Weinstein's work is his commitment to using the restored violins in performances by young musicians and members of renowned orchestras. He believes that by performing on these instruments, young musicians can connect with the history of the Holocaust and gain a deeper understanding of its impact. He also believes that by sharing these instruments with the world, he can help to promote tolerance and understanding and prevent future acts of genocide.

Levin's photographs in Violins and Hope capture the beauty and significance of Weinstein's collection of violins. They show the intricate details of the restoration process, the craftsmanship that goes into each instrument, and the emotional connection that Weinstein has with each violin. The photographs also capture the performances of young musicians and members of renowned orchestras, showcasing the power and beauty of the restored violins.

In conclusion, Amnon Weinstein's project to restore violins that survived the Holocaust is a remarkable testament to the power of art and the human spirit. Through his dedication, skill, and commitment to using the restored violins in performances by young musicians and members of renowned orchestras, Weinstein has transformed tragic loss into triumph and helped to promote tolerance and understanding. Daniel Levin's photographs in Violins and Hope capture the beauty and significance of Weinstein's collection and the emotional connection that he has with each violin. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about the Holocaust and the power of music to heal and inspire.

Dimension: 254 x 305 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781938086861