Our regular weekly artist interview, Director Selects, began in 2020 when we were all at home during the pandemic. This week’s is a rerun. Unfortunately, the reason is a sad one — Amnon Weinstein, the founder of Violins of Hope, has passed away. He was not with us in Los Angeles when the violins eventually returned here for their concerts in January, 2022, but I was fortunate to meet him prior to the pandemic, and to witness firsthand his commitment and passion for these important, living historic instruments. I am very grateful to Noreen Green and Susanne Reyto for providing us with that opportunity.
May Amnon’s memory be a blessing.
In its short life, The Soraya has been center stage for many historic moments, none greater than the Holocaust violins living under our stage for the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this video, from September 2020, you will re-meet Avshi Weinstein, the son of Amnon, and three exceptional violinists who are so much a part of The Soraya family and its history.
For those interested in learning more about Weinstein’s life, and his incredible work founding Violins of Hope, his obituary may be read in the New York Times, here.
Gratefully,
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