Four Institutions, One Community, One Evening of Hope

Long Island, NY — On March 12, 2026, at 8:00 p.m., four distinguished institutions will stand together at the Madison Theatre at Molloy University for an extraordinary evening of music and meaning — The Symphony of Hope.

Presented through a collaboration between Molloy University, the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County (HMTC), and the Long Island Concert Orchestra (LICO), this fundraising concert brings four institutions together around shared educational and cultural goals. The evening underscores the power of the arts to connect communities and build understanding across cultural boundaries.

Violins of Hope
At the heart of the evening will be the internationally renowned Violins of Hope collection — restored instruments once played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust. On March 12, these historic violins will once again be played in concert, bridging remembrance and renewal through music.

Long Island Concert Orchestra (LICO)
Under the direction of Music Director Enrico Fagone (pictured here at the podium), the Long Island Concert Orchestra continues to expand its artistic reach. For The Symphony of Hope on March 12 at Molloy University’s Madison Theatre, the orchestra will be led by rising star guest conductor Jeffrey Dokken.

President James Lentini & Madison Theatre at Molloy University
Molloy University President James Lentini welcomes one of the university’s largest incoming classes from the stage of the Madison Theatre — a reflection of Molloy’s expanding reach and growing impact across the region. The Madison Theatre, a premier performing arts venue known for presenting nationally and internationally recognized artists, will be home to the 2026 Symphony of Hope on March 12 at 8:00 p.m., bringing together four institutions and distinguished artists for an evening of music, unity, and hope.

At the heart of the program is the internationally renowned Violins of Hope collection — restored instruments once owned and played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust—some belonging to musicians who did not survive. These instruments, brought back to life, serve as moving testaments to cultural perseverance and the indestructible human spirit. Avshi Weinstein, founder of Violins of Hope and son of master luthier Amnon Weinstein, will be participating in the event, further deepening the historical and personal significance of the evening.

“Molloy University is honored to host The Symphony of Hope at our Madison Theatre,” said Molloy University President, James Lentini. “This concert exemplifies our mission of fostering ethical leadership and service while bringing our community together through the transformative power of the arts.”

The program is intended to underscore the role of music in bringing together diverse communities across faiths, cultures, and generations.

“The Symphony of Hope allows us to remember musicians whose lives were cut short while inspiring new generations to stand against hatred and intolerance,” said Jolanta Zamecka, Vice Chair, Board of Directors, HMTC. “We are proud to join this effort to educate, uplift, and honor their legacy.”

Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance (JAMD)
The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance brings together students from diverse cultural, religious, and international backgrounds to pursue excellence in music and the performing arts. Its participation in The Symphony of Hope reflects a shared commitment to education, artistic achievement, and cross-cultural understanding.

Avshi Weinstein
Avshi Weinstein, founder of Violins of Hope and son of master luthier Amnon Weinstein, will participate in the evening and offer insight into the history and restoration of these extraordinary instruments featured at the heart of the program.

Long Island Choral Society
The Long Island Choral Society, under the direction of Michael Haigler, will join the orchestra in bringing choral depth and richness to this powerful evening of music and reflection.

Dr. Michael Klinghoffer
Dr. Michael Klinghoffer, President of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and an accomplished double bassist, will be on hand to share perspective on the Academy’s role in advancing artistic excellence and cultural dialogue.

COMPOSER ALEXEY SHOR
Composer Alexey Shor, whose Violin Concerto No. 7 will be featured as part of the upcoming Symphony of Hope.

The program will feature Violin Concerto No. 7 by Long Island composer Alexey Shor, performed by Paganini International Violin Competition winner Simon Zhu. The concerto contributes a contemporary voice to an evening that bridges history and hope.

The Long Island Concert Orchestra (LICO), with Grammy-nominated music director Enrico Fagone, was established in 2016 by David Winkler, Executive Director and Composer in Residence. The new orchestra’s continuing mission is to meet the growing cultural needs of Long Island through unique projects, such as Symphony of Hope, featuring both locally and internationally based artists of stature. Rising star guest conductor Jeffrey Dokken will lead LICO and will be joined by the Long Island Choral Society under the direction of Michael Haigler.

“The Academy, and those who attend, represent the resilience of the Arts and the ability of those who embrace the beauty of creativity and tradition to further tolerance,” said Michael Klinghoffer, President of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. “The Arts have a power to transcend time and place and bring the world together with a healing presence.”

Creative and Leadership Team
Representatives from the Long Island Concert Orchestra and the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, alongside artistic leadership from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, are working closely with Molloy University in bringing The Symphony of Hope to the Madison Theatre stage. L–R: LICO Board Member and Vice Chair of HMTC Jolanta Zamecka; LICO Founder and Composer in Residence David Winkler; President of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance Dr. Michael Klinghoffer; Music Director and Conductor of LICO Enrico Fagone; LICO Board Member, Vice Chair of HMTC, and Executive Producer of hmTv at HMTC Bernard Furshpan; LICO Board Member Betty Tufariello; and LICO Board Member and Host of hmTv at HMTC’s Many Voices, One Community, Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews.

Bernie Furshpan
Bernard (Bernie) Furshpan at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance during the “Day of Hope,” a gathering that brought together Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and international students through the universal language of the arts. Bernie organized the Day of Hope through the Friends of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and is also a pivotal member of the committee organizing the Symphony of Hope on Long Island.

GUEST CONDUCTOR JEFFREY DOKKEN
Guest conductor Jeffrey Dokken joins the Long Island Concert Orchestra for the upcoming Symphony of Hope at the Madison Theatre at Molloy University on March 12. The program will feature Paganini International Violin Competition winner Simon Zhu and instruments from the remarkable Violins of Hope collection.

David Winkler
David Winkler, Founder and Composer in Residence of the Long Island Concert Orchestra, continues to shape the orchestra’s distinctive artistic vision through innovative collaborations such as The Symphony of Hope.

Meeting with Dr. Klinghoffer
Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, Board Member of the Long Island Concert Orchestra and committee member for The Symphony of Hope, met in Jerusalem in October 2025 with Dr. Michael Klinghoffer, President of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, following a tour of the Academy. The two continued discussions over lunch at Café Ella as part of preliminary planning for the March 12 concert uniting four institutions in a program of music, education, and unity.

JOYOUS COLLABORATION
Enrico Fagone, Music Director of the Long Island Concert Orchestra, pictured with Jolanta Zamecka and Betty Tufariello at the 2024 Symphony of Hope concert. Jolanta and Betty are once again serving on the committee helping bring this year’s Symphony of Hope to the Madison Theatre at Molloy University and have been essential in supporting this meaningful collaboration.

Molloy University
Molloy University will serve as host of The Symphony of Hope, bringing this four-institution collaboration to the Madison Theatre. Proceeds from the concert will support the educational and artistic missions of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, Molloy University, and the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County.

Proceeds from the evening will directly support the educational and artistic missions of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, Molloy University, and HMTC — institutions committed to nurturing ethical leadership, cultural dialogue, and human understanding.

Event organizers describe The Symphony of Hope as more than a concert — a living example of collaboration as a force for good and unity expressed through music.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at: madisontheatreny.org.