Violins of Hope on Display in Orange County
Select instruments from the Violins of Hope collection will be on display at the following locations:
The Hilbert Museum of California Art (May 15 - May 31)
Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County (June 1 - June 9)
Orange County Museum of Art (June 6 - June 8)
Schedule of Events
May 15 - May 31, 2025
Exclusive Preview: Violins of Hope on Display
Hilbert Museum of California Art
Select Violins of Hope will be available for display for audiences.
Free; reservations required
Saturday, May 31, 2025, 2pm
Violins of Hope Opening Event
Hilbert Museum of California Art
The first event with Violins of Hope instruments on display, this opening event will preview the upcoming week’s events, as well as a discussion with Violins of Hope founder Avshi Weinstein and Violins of Hope author James Grymes, along with a short performance by violinist Niv Ashkenazi.
Free; reservations required
June 1 - June 9, 2025
Violins of Hope on Display
Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County
Select Violins of Hope will be available for display for audiences.
Free; walk-ins welcome
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 11am
Songs & Stories of Hope: A Free Family Concert with Mostly Kosher and JAC Trio
Soka Performing Arts Center
This high-energy performance brings Klezmer music to life—blending centuries-old Jewish folk traditions with a modern flair.
Free; reservations required
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Violins of Hope on Display
Soka Performing Arts Center
Immediately following the family concert, select Violins of Hope will be available for display for audiences to see these impactful and historic instruments.
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 5pm
Book Talk with James Grymes
Laguna Beach Books
Author of Violins of Hope, James Grymes discusses the project and reflections on his book.
Reservations required
Monday, June 2, 2025, 10am
Book Talk with James Grymes
Hilbert Museum of California Art
Author of Violins of Hope, James Grymes discusses the project and reflections on his book.
Reservations required
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Private Event
Supporters and select guests receive a unique opportunity to mix, mingle, and hear violinist Pinchas Zukerman, cellist Amanda Forsyth and pianist Shai Wosner in a special and intimate performance setting.
Closed to the public.
* Exclusive to supporters and underwriters at the Gold level and above.
If you wish to be eligible to attend, please contact Halim Kim at halim@philharmonicsociety.org.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 10:30am
Private Event
Violins of Hope Discussion and Music
In honor of Holocaust Survivor Day, presented in partnership with Center for Jewish Care Jewish Family Service San Diego.
Closed to the public.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 4pm
Violins of Hope Discussion and Music
Irvine Valley College
Violins of Hope founder Avshi Weinstein and Violinist Niv Ashkenazi discuss the Violins of Hope project, paired with musical excerpts by Orange County Youth Symphony with IVC musicians. Select violins will also be on display for audiences to view.
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 7pm
Pinchas Zukerman and Friends Concert
Musco Center for the Arts
This unforgettable evening features an all-star lineup of luminary artists, including Pinchas Zukerman, Arnaud Sussmann, Matthew Lipman, Amanda Forsyth, and Michael Stephen Brown. Select instruments from the Violins of Hope collection will be on display in the lobby before and after the concert.
June 6 - June 8, 2025
Violins of Hope on Display
Orange County Museum of Art
Select Violins of Hope will be available for display for audiences.
Free; walk-ins welcome
Friday, June 6, 2025, 4pm
Performance and Instrument Display
Laguna Art Museum
Hear a performance by Orange County Youth Symphony musicians, as they perform on Violins of Hope instruments and spotlight each one with a short reading and description.
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 10:30am
Performance and Discussion
Bowers Museum
Attend a discussion about the Violins of Hope project, along with some musical interludes on an instrument from the collection.
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Violins of Hope Discussion and Musical Accompaniment
Orange County Museum of Art
An afternoon of musical highlights on Violins of Hope instruments by local violinists, alongside a display of pieces from the collection.
Free; walk-ins welcome
Monday, June 9, 2025
School Visit with Niv Ashkenazi
Violinist Niv Ashkenazi visits a local school for a performance and discussion of the history and significance of the Violins of Hope and the Holocaust.
Closed to the public
Monday, June 9, 2025, 5:30pm
Tour and Performance with violinist Niv Ashkenazi
Holocaust Education Center of Orange County
In collaboration with Holocaust Education Center of Orange County, this event features a tour of the museum, followed by a performance and discussion by Violins of Hope founder Avshi Weinstein and violinist Niv Ashkenazi.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 7pm
Closing Night Quartet Concert
University Synagogue
Join us for a powerful and moving musical experience with the Violins of Hope finale concert! Pacific Symphony Concertmaster Dennis Kim will be joined by the principal string players of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, along with Violins of Hope Artist-in-Residence Niv Ashkenazi, who will perform on one of the remarkable Violins of Hope instruments, and pianist Jason Stoll. This unforgettable evening will honor the legacy of these historic instruments, weaving together music that resonates with themes of hope, resilience, and remembrance. In addition, the Violins of Hope collection will be on display for audiences to view.
Education Engagements
Violins of Hope education engagements will be held in the months leading up to the collection arrival in early June 2025. As part of these engagements, the Philharmonic Society will be visiting schools and community centers with violinist and Violins of Hope Artist-in-Residence, Niv Ashkenazi, the only musician to have one of the Violins of Hope in their possession. These engagements will discuss the stories of the violins and their involvement with the Holocaust and the survivors.
To learn more about Violins of Hope education and engagement opportunities please contact: education@philharmonicsociety.org