Mikylah Myers, assistant dean of student artistic achievement in WVU’s College of Creative Arts, recently performed as soloist in the east coast premiere of “Intonations: Songs from the Violins of Hope” by Jake Heggie.

The piece is inspired by the Violins of Hope, a project of concerts based on a private collection of violins, violas and cellos collected since the end of World War 2. All instruments belonged to Jews before and during the war. 

“Intonations: Songs from the Violins of Hope” premiered April 26 at Queens University and April 28 at University of North Carolina - Charlotte, with faculty and students from Queens University, UNC Charlotte and Central Piedmont Community College. 

Myers performed on the "Haftel" violin, which belonged to Svi Haftel, the first concert master of the Palestine Orchestra, which later became the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Haftel lost his job in a German orchestra because he was Jewish; he was one of approximately 100 musicians that Bronislaw Huberman brought to Palestine in 1936, likely saving their lives. 

Charlotte PBS series "Carolina Impact" is showcasing the story of Violins of Hope, featuring Myers’ interview and performance: https://www.pbs.org/video/violins-hope-jzpc0f/