In cooperation with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) & the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center (HERC), the BVHS Social Studies Department presented the exhibition Violins of Hope on Friday, Oct. 2,4 in the Bay View H.S. Library.
The exhibition gave students the opportunity to see and interact with musical instruments that were owned by the victims of the Nazi regime, as well as to learn about Jewish musicians and the importance of music to Jews during the Holocaust period. Many of the instruments’ owners carried them through the concentration camp system and surrendered in the years following, while others traveled with those fleeing the Nazis in the years leading up to the Holocaust. These instruments have been professionally reconditioned and are able to be played as part of the program.
The instrument on exhibition during the BVHS visit was owned by Abram Merczynsk, who was a survivor of the Dachau Camp, and it was played by MYSO member Anna Lena. The performance was followed by a presentation from Sam Goldberg, Director of Education for the HERC.
