Starting on August 1, 2021, Music of Remembrance will stream a new performance of “Intonations: Songs from the Violins of Hope,” by composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer.

This new song-cycle is inspired by the Violins of Hope, a collection of restored string instruments which belonged to Jews living through the Holocaust. The songs explore the voyages of these instruments and their owners. Audiences will hear violinist Mikhail Schmidt alongisde mezzo-soprano Laura Krumm. Additionally, violinist Zoe Lonsinger, will join in on the work’s finale.

“The violins bore witness to heartbreak and horrible atrocity,” siad artistic director Mina Miller in a press release, “and yet they represent belief in a future where music, life and beauty endure.” Each of the instruments has its own story to tell, but together they call out to us: “We were played by proud people.”

“The performance will conclude MOR’s 23^rd season, titled “Endurance of Hope.” Originally scheduled to be performed live at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall and San Francisco’s Presidio Theatre, the company will instead make the video production available to watch on their streaming platform.