You’re invited to join LLCC Community Education and the Academy of Lifelong Learning for “A Violin’s Journey,” an educational recital, this morning at 10 in the Trutter Center. Dr. Yona Stamatis, associate professor of music at UIS and violinist, will share her family violin story and discuss the role of arts and music in remembering the Holocaust. Dr. Stamatis will perform with a violin from the “Violins of Hope” collection, and  the lecture/recital will center around the Auschwitz Violin from the Violins of Hope collection.

With the extraordinary story of this violin as a springboard, she will examine the subject of music and the Holocaust: What was the role of the music during the Holocaust? How does music contribute to acts of remembrance and commemoration? And what should be done with the musical instruments that survived the Holocaust?

This recital is part of a “Celebration of Survival” Sept. 7-13 presented by the Jewish Federation of Springfield. The Federation is bringing 12 of the 70 violins in the “Violins of Hope” collection to Springfield. These instruments, whether played or hidden, survived the Holocaust. They have been lovingly restored and have traveled the world to give voice to the victims and reinforce messages of hope, harmony and survival. For additional opportunities to listen to or view the violins visit www.shalomspringfield.org.

The recital is open to the campus community and guests. If you would like to attend or bring a guest, please email community.education@llcc.edu to add your name(s) to the list.