It’s only a few short weeks until Violins of Hope fills our community with the spirit of collaboration and a unique and poignant glimpse into world history.

With a collection of violins gathered from victims of the Holocaust, the programming slated to run through much of November demonstrates the ability for Fort Wayne’s thriving arts organizations to work together to provide many multidisciplinary performances and exhibits. For a full list of events, visit violinsofhopefw.org.

One of the many extraordinary opportunities available during the exhibit is for community organizations, schools, and churches to schedule presentations, which would run for 30-40 minutes about the origins and meaning of Violins of Hope. While the hosting organization is responsible for providing their own technology and equipment needed, there is no cost for the presentation which will look into the history of the violins, as gathered and restored by master Israeli violin maker Amnon Weinstein.

If your organization would like to schedule a presentation between Nov. 9-23, email info@violinsofhopefw.org for more information and for the forms needed to get the ball rolling.

More conductors at PFW

Purdue Fort Wayne has recently welcomed three new conductors to their growing Purdue School of Music. The school is unique in that, previous to now, Purdue had no music program beyond student organizations. Now any student who wishes to earn a music degree at Purdue comes straight to Fort Wayne.

With courses taught at both the university’s main campus as well as the Purdue campus at Sweetwater, the program continues to grow and thrive at a remarkable rate.

The three new faces on the PFW campus this fall include Dr. William Sauerland, conductor of Choral Ensembles; Terry Fisher, director of Jazz Ensemble; and Troy Webdell, conductor of the Community Orchestra.

Sauerland comes to Fort Wayne from San Francisco State University and was the director of Choral and Vocal Studies at Chabot College in nearby Hayward, Calif.

Fisher is Educations Specialist at Mynett Music, making him a familiar face to many in the local music community and area schools.

Webdell has worked with the youth orchestra at Fort Wayne Philharmonic and also served as music director and is founder of the South Shore Orchestra in Valparaiso.

For a complete schedule of events at the Purdue Fort Wayne School of Music, visit pfw.edu/music.

Art in the Airport

With public art exploding around our city, it’s not surprising that the Fort Wayne International Airport would like to spruce up their environment with some public art of their own.

The newly dubbed “Art in the Airport” program is now accepting submissions for any framed and hanging art or photography to be displayed at the site.

With a Nov. 1 deadline, artists are encouraged to submit work which will be displayed free of charge (and if sold, the airport will claim no commission). Applicants are also encouraged to create a bio poster with contact information so that any inquires regarding the artwork can be directed to the artist.

This is not only a great way to show off your work but to do so to an international audience. Those interested should visit the airport’s website for more details or contact Katie Robinson at krobinson@fwairport.com.

News and Venues covers Northeast Indiana’s music and arts organizations, venues, and colleges, from large to small. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.