May 8, 2025

A Secret Note Hidden In Dachau-built 'Violin Of Hope' Tells A Tale Of Survival And Craftsmanship

In 1941, while imprisoned in the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau, Franciszek “Franz” Kempa, crafted a violin. More than 80 years later it was discovered by Tamás Tálosi and Szandra Katona, Hungarian art dealers. The skilled craftsmanship of the violin belied its poor wood quality, prompting disassembly -- and the discovery of its origins.

“We named it the ‘violin of hope’ because if someone ends up in a difficult situation, having a task or a challenge helps them get through a lot of things,” Tamás said.

Read the full, inspiring story here.