Amnon Weinstein, an internationally renowned Israeli master violin maker, is the visionary behind the "Violins of Hope" project. His life's work has been dedicated to the restoration and preservation of violins that once belonged to Jewish musicians during the Holocaust. Each instrument in this collection carries the story of resilience, survival, and the unbreakable human spirit.

Born in 1939 in Tel Aviv to parents who were themselves musicians and Holocaust survivors, Amnon's journey into the world of violin-making began at a young age. He learned the craft from his father and later honed his skills in Italy under the tutelage of some of the era's most prominent violin makers, including Pietro Sgarabotto, Giuseppe Ornati, and Ferdinando Garimberti. His pursuit of mastery continued in Paris with the esteemed Etienne Vatelot.

Amnon's path took a poignant turn nearly fifty years ago when a Holocaust survivor brought him a violin for restoration. Inside the violin case, Amnon found ashes—a stark reminder of the atrocities faced by millions, including his own family members who perished. This haunting experience ignited a passion within him to collect and restore violins from the Holocaust era, giving voice to the silenced stories of those who once played them.

Since then, Amnon has restored over 60 violins, each with its unique history of suffering, endurance, and hope. These violins have been showcased and played in concerts around the world, from Jerusalem and Berlin to New York and Charlotte, bringing their stories to life in a powerful intersection of music, history, and remembrance.

Amnon has received numerous accolades for his work, including the Medal of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Ernst Cramer Medal. His contribution to music and history goes beyond the Violins of Hope, as he has served as a judge in prestigious violin-making competitions and contributed to the education and mentoring of young musicians through master courses at Keshet Eilon in Israel.

The Violins of Hope project, co-led with his son Avshalom, continues to inspire and educate audiences worldwide, proving that even in the darkest times, music has the power to transcend suffering and connect us all. Through the restoration and performance of these instruments, Amnon ensures that the legacy of those who lived, suffered, and played during the Holocaust will never be forgotten.

In Knoxville, the Violins of Hope will be displayed and performed as a part of a series of events aimed at educating and inspiring the community. The collection stands as a testament to Amnon Weinstein’s unwavering dedication to preserving the memory of Holocaust victims and survivors, and his belief in the transformative power of music to heal and unite.