Daily Herald: ‘Victory of the human spirit’: Violins played by Jewish musicians coming to suburbs

A child’s violin has been restored but remains unplayable. Was it ever played?

Sobering questions may come to mind when people see — and hear — the Violins of Hope, a collection of instruments played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust.

“You have to wonder, did that child survive? Did that child ever have the chance to play that violin? It causes people to think, and to reflect,” said Ilene Uhlmann, director of community engagement for Jewish Community Centers of Chicago (JCC Chicago), who oversees the Violins of Hope’s Chicago residency.

The collection of more than 70 stringed instruments will be featured in more than 100 concerts, exhibitions and educational series throughout Illinois from April through September.