DREAMS of HOPE

DREAMS OF HOPE - REVIEWS
 

(Selected comments from premiere attendees and PBS viewers throughout America)
 

This project has literally blown my mind and affected me on sooooo many levels, ….I am almost speechless! And based on the unrehearsed emotional and spontaneous responses from a diverse, packed house at last night’s premiere, EVERYONE was touched and moved as was I. The intermittent bursts of applause from people from all walks of life throughout the movie lets you know how well your work was received!

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Oh my gosh what an extraordinary documentary. I’ve got goosebumps and I’m crying! 

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We saw the documentary last night and were just completely blown away. I love the empathy shown among its participants, as that is what the world seems so devoid of in this poisonous political climate. I needed this shot in the arm to remind me of the goodness out there, and the possibility, by sharing our common stories, for even better times ahead. Bravo!

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I was there. It was AMAZING, MAGNIFICENT, BRILLIANT, INSPIRING, and oh so moving!!!!

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Bravo! Your Dreams of Hope composition is beautiful and very moving. The entire evening was a major event and we learned a lot about those violins and their relationship to the civil rights movement in Birmingham. We don't know how you managed to compose and produce such a marvelous concert in less than six weeks. It was a real treat also to see you on screen and to hear you talk about how you work and compose.

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This film is absolutely phenomenal!

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I was there last night and was in tears thinking of the impact the film will have on so many people! I have been changed as a performer and a person through this project and praying many others will be too.

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No matter how many times I watch this movie...all of the same emotions come out!!   In this time...it evokes a feeling of hopefulness. Thank you Dr. Panion and everyone else that had a part in this awesome project!

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Beautiful film, Congratulations on a profound piece of work!

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It was something else seeing the film on the big screen - the sumptuous use of light and color, the smooth segues, and the way in which the story culminated in the gorgeous performance of your soaring and inspirational “Dreams of Hope.” We ponder on who might have owned and played the violin that Caitlin used...their voice was not silenced; we heard then in person...what a humbling privilege. Thanks for your gift to all of us.

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So darn proud of you and the recognition of Birmingham in such a positive, hopeful way, thanks to your beautiful, inspirational music. Tonight was special...Congratulations!

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I could watch Dreams of Hope over and over and over again! There are so many layers of meaning and feeling that reveal themselves with each viewing. Caitlin’s gorgeous performance tugs at my heartstrings each time I hear it. This composition was sent from Heaven.

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I could watch this over and over again without getting tired of seeing it! It was sheer perfection! Life changing to witness!

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Tonight I had the chance to relive an incredible, uniquely crafted and composed performance by Henry Panion III in the feature film Dreams of Hope about the playing of violins from Violins of Hope. I was present when Henry performed his compositions the first time, and was nearly brought to tears when reliving the melodic, passionate and meaningful music in documentary form. US Senator Doug Jones flew in just for this event. There were standing ovations much of the night as the audience applauded diversity and inclusion through its music.

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Everyone needs to see this. It’s amazingly beautiful!

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I just finished watching the subject show on South Carolina public television just a few minutes ago. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you to all who participated directly and indirectly into putting on the show Violins of Hope as well as the documentary. I was born in 1954 and clearly remember the racial turmoil. Thank you for bringing the history of blacks and Jews and tying the tremendous tragedies of World War II Holocaust and the subjugation of blacks whether overtly in slavery and Jim Crow discrimination laws, or subtly through division by race, stereotypes, and unequal of treatment. It gives me hope to see the good people of Birmingham come together. Just a terrific documentary. Thank you.

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Great Work, so inspiring and what classic art you have produced for the world to see! 

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When I was in the 3rd grade, my teacher told us about the Holocaust. Her family escaped and came to the United States. We were too young to grasp the terrible things that happened at that time. Throughout my high school and college years,  I never had anymore thoughts on the Holocaust. Dr. Henry Panion changed all that with his documentary Dreams Of Hope. I was so locked into what African-Americans went through, but I was educated on the plight of others. Please consider watching it on PBS soon. Thanks for the education, Dr. Panion.

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This project has literally blown my mind and affected me on sooo many levels.

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Never did I think that my profound passion for my Jewish heritage, my undying love of my hometown B’ham, my deep respect for the Civil Rights Movement, and my love for theatre and music would come together with such brilliance and beauty. We so appreciate you and your fabulous team that made sure Dreams of Hope would be a reality forever! Thank you, Mazel Tov from the bottom of our hearts! Your piece should be heard in every concert hall, church, and synagogue in the world!

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Dreams of Hope will be in my heart for life. Henry Panion’s  heartfelt spoken voice kept me glued to the meaning of the memories of the amazing violins. Great show!

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What a phenomenal evening!  And an absolute triumph to see the documentary..  It is just exquisite and so beautifully tells the story of how Birmingham welcomed the Violins of Hope!

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I am in awe of what you were able to produce; the living legacy will forever etch in all our hearts...your commitment and amazing talent. But the gifts you gave us will be an eternal flame of hope and inclusion unlike anything this community has ever witnessed. Thanks for allowing me the honor to share in our AMAZING dream of hope.

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Dr. Henry Panion III , our Alabama treasure, BRAVO for outstanding directing, producing, writing, conducting, marketing, vision, etc.!

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What a magnificent ambassador you are for hope and reconciliation.  Loved every minute of Dreams of Hope. 

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When we were at the screening, my husband said "Why don't we get invited to more things like this?" I told him "because there really isn't anything else like this!" This gave us a sense of what can be possible…….when we work together. To be sitting right next to the artists of the evening was both a highlight tinged with sorrow. Sorrow, because we wonder when anything like this will happen again. If it wasn't for PBS, this would be an event that you could only say, "I wish you had been there." You can still say it now, but it can be shared with millions of people across the country so that they can "be there" now.

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This man..This father..This husband...this leader in our community... This writer...This composer...this producer made history tonight.

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Just saw  Dreams of Hope and am sobbing, almost as much as I was at the performance itself!!  The film is so tremendously moving, and Panion is such a giant of talent, sensitivity and intelligence!!  This is the message we need to disseminate throughout this country and the world!! Once again, it was so humbling to experience the pure goodness of the congregants and musicians, and to feel the loving energy of that amazing church!!  Your efforts and the beauty of the music all came through perfectly!

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Awesome, inspiring, and excellent. Enjoyed it!

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I am absolutely blown away by the final result of this project. Your vision and leadership was superb. Your production team did a really wonderful job putting it all together. It was my honor to have been involved in such a wonderful event. The Dreams of Hope live concert is a performance I will remember for the rest of my days. So very moving and inspiring on many levels. The documentary project will stand as a lasting legacy for you, for us, for Birmingham, and for people everywhere. I continue to share Dreams of Hope with family and friends, and it never fails to make an impact. We lost my father this past September. I only wish he could have seen Dreams of Hope. When I sat with my mother and watched, well, to say she was deeply moved is an understatement. Bravo, and thank you!

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Dreams of Hope was so much more than we could think it would be,  we were in tears throughout the film, very touched . What a great job and an Incredible idea. I want to believe in good humans. You have shown us it is possible. Thank you. 

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The national premiere of the concert-documentary "Dreams of Hope" was a very special night for Birmingham, the State of Alabama, our nation, and for me. Because of that night, I can now see all kinds of possibilities.

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Very well articulated, touching in many ways, an important moment in music history.

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I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed the documentary..  It was so moving, so beautiful, so well done. You, all, have created an exceptional work of art that truly gives me hope beyond compare for our lives, for our community and beyond. Love is the answer!  Love for each other. I am overwhelmed with what you have done. Henry Panion is a treasure, and for us to have him in Birmingham is a blessing to all of us. 

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All I can say is “WOW!” The movie is phenomenal. The stories, the producers, the imagery. The entire “everything” is so uplifting. I’ve not ever seen a crowd like I did tonight.

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Heartiest kudos on the airing of the “Dreams of Hope Documentary”! I love the way the story unfolds. The videography is warm, colorful, and engaging, The interviews flow logically and poignantly together as if a script, yet clearly spontaneous. The music held reverence, beauty and hope. All of these culminated in your lovely setting of the Jewish prayer to God our Healer and Reconciler. Exquisitely interpreted, this bound all together in a profound expression of longing and resolve.  

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OMG. Just magnificent. Through my tears all I can say is that “dreams” do live on and hope is within us all.

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Having missed the actual concert, we felt that we experienced it through the documentary. Dr. Panion’s production and original piece were so moving, especially hearing the strains of avinu malkeinu. And Caitlin’s extraordinary playing of a restored violin touched my heart and soul. 

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OMG!!  I wasn’t prepared. In tears. This is beautiful.

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I am sorry for bothering you with this, but I cannot locate a copy of the tune Caitlin Edwards played in Dreams of Hope. I would really like to find a video of her playing this most beautiful piece to show to my class. This is something I have to find. The piece you composed and Caitlin Edwards performed (“Dreams of Hope for Solo Violin & Orchestra”) is one of the most beautiful I’ve heard. In fact, everything about this show was exceptional.

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Just saw it on Maryland Public Television here in the DMV.... absolutely awesome! Congratulations!

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Finally got to watch Dreams of Hope last night. The film is so well done that I was captivated. This project of hope, love and resilience through music and diversity should be seen by everyone.  I applaud all of you, and especially you, Henry Panion III for giving it to us in such a beautiful, profound way.

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Such an inspiring story !  I would love for this to happen here in Memphis, Tennessee.

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I have just finished watching your Dreams of Hope concert in Lancaster, PA. I have not been moved like this in a long time.  Thank you and the city of Birmingham for sharing this. I would love to have a DVD of the program if it is available and show it to people in the retirement community in which I live. I hope you are going to archive it somewhere for future generations. It is a very important piece. Again, thank you for this marvelous gift and may God bless and continue to inspire your gifts.

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It was wonderful!  The violin solo was breathtaking. Thank you for a wonderful production of such a meaningful story.

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Wow, this was so fantastic to watch, to see how the Violins of Hope got started and the history behind it. Then to see how Dr. Panion did his research and composed his piece for the event was neat to see and learn. Of course, I felt the emotion when the violinist played her part of the piece he wrote while she played one of the violins from the Holocaust. Thank you.

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GREAT JOB!! I was informed. I was educated. I was influenced, and I was touched by the stories. The music touched me deeply, especially the violin solo. What an impactful and meaningful experience.

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This documentary is really beautifully done. Such a great story and so relevant. I was drawn in by the way that Dr. Panion talked about how he immersed himself in the work. His passion for that project came through. And the way it was shot supported that really well.

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This great work is like a stone tossed in a pond—ripples moving to far away shores! Thank you!

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With tears in my eyes, I just finished watching the awesome production in Miami. Looking at 16th Street Baptist Church, the orchestra, singers, Ms. Edwards as she performed, and your conducting, took me to a deep state of awe. The synergy between the culture of the African-American and Jewish people was well brought out in your production. I hope that this concert WILL go to Carnegie Hall as stated in the film!

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WOW! WOW! WOW! Just finished it and were absolutely moved and absorbed by it. I'm going to show it to my 3 teenage grandsons tomorrow as their History homeschool teacher. LOVE IT!

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I am watching this now - I’m not quite half way through - It’s great! It is soooo moving!

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My husband and I attended this life-changing concert, and, I can assure you, we have taken its heart and legacy with us, sharing its message back home in NY, and wherever we've gone since. I wept buckets through it all, and was tremendously moved by all the participants, particularly by your multiple talents, sensitivity and erudition.  We feel so privileged to have been there and to have experienced the premiere of your poignant composition!

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This was informative, inspiring and impressively put together! Great stuff!

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Thank you for this beautiful and deeply emotional work. Your choices are brilliant, from the low-tone foreboding of the opening immediately to the theme of Avinu Malkenu. That prayer's references to freedom from hate, from captivity, from violence, and even from pestilence and plague, and then to asking for mercy, and to "send complete healing" -- are all so prescient. And for me, the work then grew deeper and even more poignant, sorrowful and hopeful. It forever breaks my heart to think of what happened in this beautiful church.  In a couple of days my family and I will celebrate Passover, the story of the exodus from the hatred and slavery in Egypt, and I will have the victims of the hate crime - the girls from the  Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, in my mind and heart. Thank you for that. You've expressed the parallels between our cultures' experiences in a way no words could. It's profoundly moving, Thank you.”

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I watched Dreams of Hope again tonight and, as I did at the Alabama Theatre, I was overcome both with grief and joy!

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We just watched and then watched again. This is just so glorious and magnificent. I had chills and so many emotions. Beautiful arrangements and orchestrations and your composition for solo violin was so moving. The choir and soloists were so outstanding!!!  Is that your son’s wife with the angelic voice?? Thanks so very much for sharing this with us. It was much needed in these crazy times that we find ourselves in too!

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Words that come to mind while watching Dreams of Hope...glorious, uplifting, transcending, elegant, transformative, inspirational.

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Thank you for all you have done to make such a powerful and  successful program, and I am so proud to have been part of that concert. It meant a lot to me, as my father's family was Jewish and from Austria. My father was sent on a train, alone, when he was two years old, to Sweden, and my grandparents barely escaped. Fortunately, the family survived and was reunited in America, where my grandfather was the conductor for the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra. Tragically, my great grandmother died in Auschwitz. I thought about her a lot during the concert. The message of the music is more important than ever in these times. It is truly important work you have done. Playing those violins was like touching lost souls. I was honored to have that opportunity.

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Wow!!!! The film was amazing..all I can say is WOW!!!!!

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Wow, I've never seen so much feedback on a program. This is really a testament to how moved people are by Dreams of Hope. And it's so gratifying to see it reaching people at a time when they need it most.  Grateful thanks to you, and all of the artists, sponsors and many people who worked on the project.
 

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The documentary is wonderful -- poignant, spiritual, thoughtful, and full of wonderful humanity. There was so much good in it, but I connected most deeply with the intertwining of the Black and Jewish histories, troubled as they may be. In weaving these stories together through this musical journey, there was a rare sense of unity: Through our common suffering we are one. Thank you so very much for sharing the documentary with us. We are the better for it.

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What a beautiful documentary! I was so moved. And a wonderful composition you created!!.

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The documentary is wonderful -- poignant, spiritual, thoughtful, and full of wonderful humanity. There was so much good in it, but I connected most deeply with the intertwining of the Black and Jewish histories, troubled as they may be. In weaving these stories together through this musical journey, there was a rare sense of unity: Through our common suffering we are one. Thank you so very much for sharing the documentary with us. We are the better for it.