First Friday: Violins of Hope Exhibit Reception

Join us for a celebration of the Violins of Hope and enjoy live music by violinist Brian Ostrega. The violins in this exhibit are Holocaust-related string instruments from Tel Aviv, Israel.

Join us to learn more about the meaningful violins in this exhibit and their stories. Music will be provided by violinist Brian Ostrega, and light refreshments will be served.

Jewish Community Centers of Chicago (JCC Chicago) is proud to present Violins of Hope, an international sensation that showcases Jewish
stories of resilience, resistance and unity through the power of musical performance.

About Violins of Hope:

Israeli violinmakers, Amnon and Avshalom (Avshi) Weinstein, have spent the last 20 years collecting and repairing 70 Holocaust-era violins and other stringed instruments from around the world, some with the Star of David on the back and others with names and dates inscribed in the instrument. Together they have lovingly located and restored the violins to reclaim their lost heritage, give voice to the victims and reinforce essential messages of hope, harmony, and humanity. The violins have traveled to cities across the globe, including Rome, Tel Aviv, Berlin,
Cleveland, London, Washington D.C., Sarasota, Birmingham, Fort Wayne, Phoenix, San Francisco/East Bay, Los Angeles County, Richmond and now Chicago.

About Brian Ostrega:

Ostrega began studying the violin at the age of five and continued with Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras. After receiving his Master's Degree in Violin Performance, he was accepted into the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, where he performed in chamber music ensembles with Yo-Yo Ma and orchestral performances with Ricardo Muti, Marin Alsop, and Semyon Bychkov, among many other notable conductors. Ostrega is co-founder of the Ostrega Uhl Project, which presents eclectic programming that is engaging for all audiences and gives professional guest artists a platform on which to perform. 

Currently, Ostrega performs professionally as a member of the the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and also performs regularly with the New Philharmonic and Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra. He also teaches a growing studio of violin students at Blue Island Music in Blue Island, IL. 

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