Violins played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust to visit Elgin

Ten violins played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust will arrive at the Gail Borden Public Library next week to be put on display.

The restored instruments are part of the collection of the Violins of Hope project and are coming from the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago in Northbrook. The project showcases Jewish stories of resilience, resistance and unity through the power of musical performance. Trained docents will be providing tours of the exhibit at the library. To sign up, visit gbpl.info/VOHtours.

The library will hold an official opening of the event at 7 p.m. April 24 featuring Violins of Hope co-founder Avshi Weinstein. Music will be provided by the Chamber on the Fox along with an original poem by Elgin Poet Laureate Gareth Mann.

Numerous other programs at various venues around Elgin are scheduled through May, including a May 20 performance by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra on the Violins of Hope with guest conductor Matthew Sheppard at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin.