Archive
Tolerance Week 2026
April 20–24, 2026 · Violins of Hope
Violins of Hope is a series of concerts featuring a collection of violins, violas, and cellos, many of which belonged to Jews before and during World War II. Many were donated by or bought from survivors; some arrived through family members and many simply carry Stars of David as decoration.
While the history of these instruments is not always clear, they are symbols of Jewish traditions that were all but completely destroyed during the Holocaust. Violins of Hope concerts are the ultimate answer to plans to annihilate a people and their culture.
Tolerance Week 2026 programs were presented in partnership with the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra. All events were free and open to the public thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donors.
8th-Grade Educational Concert
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 · 9:30–10:45 AM · Orpheum Theatre
A morning of music, history, and reflection for Siouxland students — introducing about 2,000 middle school students to Violins of Hope through live performance, storytelling, and visual media.
An Evening of Memory, Music, and Remembrance
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 · 7:30–9:00 PM · Orpheum Theatre
Mainstage concert bringing historic Holocaust violins to the Orpheum Theatre under Music Director Ryan Haskins, with a brief appearance by members of the Sioux City Symphony Youth Orchestra.
In-School Outreach Across Siouxland
April 13–29, 2026 · Classroom sessions
Forty-five-minute classroom sessions featuring SCSO musicians and an educational host guiding discussion around the instruments and the people who once played them.
Music in the Shadow of the Rails
Thursday, April 23, 2026 · 6:30 PM · Holocaust Rails Exhibit
An intimate chamber performance by the Sioux City Symphony String Quartet set inside the Holocaust Rails exhibit.