Rare collection of string instruments from Holocaust on display in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A rare and significant collection of string instruments from the Holocaust can be seen in Pittsburgh now through November 21 at an exhibit called "Violins of Hope", and the hope is hundreds of young people will see it and learn from the lessons of the Holocaust and the hope the instruments represent.
The musical instruments bring to life the stories of those who played them during the Holocaust, honoring the six million Jews killed.
The violins, violas, and cellos bring to life the stories of those who played them during the Holocaust, honoring the 6 million Jews killed.
"We want people to learn. That's really what we're here for, is to learn. Learn from history, learn about the stories of what the violins tell, and remember that hope is for all of us. A kinder, more tolerant community is what we're working for," said Pat Siger, the co-chair of Violins of Hope Pittsburgh.
WATCH: Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh combines music with history
The touring exhibit of the violins, violas, and cellos and their stories will be at Carnegie Mellon University's Posner Center for seven weeks, and it's free to visit. The organizers have reserved the morning hours for school groups to visit the exhibit, with dozens scheduled to see it.
In fact, they have put a special emphasis on comprehensive in-school programming for middle school and high school students. There are subsidies for transportation and admission for schools that need it.
In addition, the symphony, ballet, opera, choirs and other arts organizations are performing works using the actual string instruments or inspired by the instruments. There are also lectures and discussions, as well as school groups touring the exhibit.
The website explains, "By delving into the historical themes of bigotry, racism and intolerance during the Holocaust and telling stories of perseverance through these times, students will uncover the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most daunting circumstances."
Students at Duquesne University rehearsed on Friday using some of the instruments for a performance on Sunday.
"It's crazy that people could even think of making joyful music in such a dark situation so to hold something that came out of that and might have given someone a little bit more hope to survive, it's just really fantastic," said one musician.
The tragedy at the "Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill five years ago was the impetus for bringing the touring exhibit to Pittsburgh.
The exhibit is free. For more information, click here.
WATCH: Violins of Hope perform on Talk Pittsburgh