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Bella Hristova on ‘Lineage’: commissioning six new works for solo violin
Violist Marcus Thompson to retire as artistic director of the Boston Chamber Music Society
Going to new places and pushing boundaries: how Natalie Haas brought the Celtic cello centre stage
‘Classical music needs a new why’: Vijay Gupta on his memoir ‘Restrung’
Hagen Quartet to perform final concert after 45-year career
Musicians’ traumatic airport stories prompt new petition calling for improved security procedures for instruments at Heathrow
Stories of violins being ‘manhandled’ and cellos falling over at airport security are indicative of inconsistent screening and handling practices putting valuable and irreplaceable instruments at risk
Manila Symphony Orchestra outlines travel ordeal as musicians forced to cradle instruments on Cebu Pacific flight
The orchestra has issued an official statement detailing the ‘uncomfortable’ travel ordeals faced by its members on a flight on 17 June
What cello did Pierre Fournier play?
Take a look at the 1722 Matteo Gofriller cello, described by Valentin Erben as having ’infinite intensity and depth of tonal spectrum’
Playing Hub
Sentimental Work: Liya Petrova on the Walton Violin Concerto
William Walton’s Violin Concerto is a firm favourite in the Bulgarian violinist’s repertoire – even though she had only two weeks to learn it
Going to new places and pushing boundaries: how Natalie Haas brought the Celtic cello centre stage
One half of the renowned Fraser and Haas duo, Natalie Haas has been a pioneer for bringing cello to Celtic fiddling tradition. She speaks with Anthony Arnone about her musical journey, plus what’s next for her after 26 years of the duo
‘Classical music needs a new why’: Vijay Gupta on his memoir ‘Restrung’
The LA-based violinist discusses his new memoir – and what it means to rethink success, service and the purpose of classical music.
We The People: The string quartet as a democratic medium
The Apollo Chamber Players’ upcoming album, We The People, was curated in honour of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Founder of the ensemble Matthew Detrick looks at how the string quartet medium is one that similarly celebrates and promotes democracy
Tangos Imaginarios: how a cellist creates a living dialogue with tango’s past
How does one honour the tradition of tango without falling into repetitive imitation? Cellist Juan Sebastián Delgado shares his experiences creating his debut solo album comprising works rooted in the music of Carlos Gardel and Astor Piazzolla
Senza basso: hearing the silent bass in Bach’s Cello Suites
Ulrich Heinen explores the hidden architecture of Bach’s Cello Suites and how a ’missing’ bass line can invite the performer and listener to interact with the music
Premium ❘ Feature
Mindfulness for musicians: awareness is everything
Incorporating a mindful attitude into our music practice and performance, and into everyday life, brings many benefits. Berenice Beverley Zammit explores its transformative potential
Premium ❘ Feature
Making Matters: Wood treatment in ‘golden period’ Stradivari violins
Stewart Pollens reveals the results of tests on wood shavings from two ‘golden period’ violins by Antonio Stradivari, which sought to discover any evidence of wood treatment
Premium ❘ Feature
Mindfulness for musicians: awareness is everything
Incorporating a mindful attitude into our music practice and performance, and into everyday life, brings many benefits. Berenice Beverley Zammit explores its transformative potential
![[defs use this] CelebrationByDAddario_388 pc Denny Medley Random Photography](https://dnan0fzjxntrj.cloudfront.net/Pictures/460x307/5/0/9/43509_defsusethiscelebrationbydaddario_388pcdennymedleyrandomphotography_776141_crop.jpg)
Premium ❘ Focus
Postcard from San Francisco: ASTA 2026 national conference
The 2026 American String Teachers Association National Conference was a bustling and inspiring event packed full of talks and performances, as Rita Fernandes and Davina Shum discovered
Premium ❘ Focus
Sentimental Work: Laura van der Heijden on Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet
Rehearsing Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet in F sharp minor with the Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective was a memorable experience for the cellist
Competitions
Results announced for 2026 Ilona Fehér International Violin Competition
The top prizes were won by Argentinian violinist Pilar Policano and US violinist Valerie Bai
18-year-old double bassist wins Junior Guildhall Lutine Prize 2026
Eduard Marcu is the first double bassist to win the prize since its inception in 1982
Cello and violin contestants announced for 2026 George Enescu International Competition
The competition takes place in Bucharest, Romania, from 29 August to 19 September 2026
Premium ❘ News
Premiere of the Month: Jeffrey Scott’s new work for the Poiesis Quartet
A new string quartet honours icons from LGBTQ+ history
Premium ❘ News
Competitions, Awards and Appointments: July 2026
The latest competition results, appointments and forthcoming contests
Masterclass: Chausson Poème for Violin and Orchestra op.25
Understanding the harmonic framework is key to making sense of Chausson’s fluid, freely structured Poème, says violinist Maria Włoszczowska
Masterclass: Schubert Piano Trio no.2 in E flat major, first movement
David and Edgar Moreau dive into Schubert’s sound world, exploring colour, balance and the expressive detail that shapes their interpretation of this late work
Masterclass: Chausson Poème for Violin and Orchestra op.25
Understanding the harmonic framework is key to making sense of Chausson’s fluid, freely structured Poème, says violinist Maria Włoszczowska
Masterclass: Schubert Piano Trio no.2 in E flat major, first movement
David and Edgar Moreau dive into Schubert’s sound world, exploring colour, balance and the expressive detail that shapes their interpretation of this late work
Masterclass: Bruch Violin Concerto no.1, second movement
Bella Hristova outlines the importance of pacing oneself and creating a hierarchy of intensity in this popular slow movement
The Strad Podcast: How to tailor the Suzuki Method to different students with violinist Meghan Faw
The violinist shares her personal experiences with the method as both a student and a teacher
The Strad Podcast: How to hold a masterclass with violinist Paul Huang
The violinist speaks about his teaching approaches in a unique learning experience, in the third part of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to teach collaborative skills with violinist Annie Fullard of the Cavani Quartet
‘We should live in a chamber music world’ - the violinist speaks about the importance of collaboration inside and outside of the practice room, in the second episode of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to practise effectively with violinist Ray Chen
The first in our new four-part education themed podcast series features our September 2024 cover star
The Strad Podcast: How to tailor the Suzuki Method to different students with violinist Meghan Faw
The violinist shares her personal experiences with the method as both a student and a teacher
The Strad Podcast: How to hold a masterclass with violinist Paul Huang
The violinist speaks about his teaching approaches in a unique learning experience, in the third part of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to teach collaborative skills with violinist Annie Fullard of the Cavani Quartet
‘We should live in a chamber music world’ - the violinist speaks about the importance of collaboration inside and outside of the practice room, in the second episode of our four-part education-themed podcast series
Competitions
Results announced for 2026 Ilona Fehér International Violin Competition
The top prizes were won by Argentinian violinist Pilar Policano and US violinist Valerie Bai
18-year-old double bassist wins Junior Guildhall Lutine Prize 2026
Eduard Marcu is the first double bassist to win the prize since its inception in 1982
Cello and violin contestants announced for 2026 George Enescu International Competition
The competition takes place in Bucharest, Romania, from 29 August to 19 September 2026
Combining virtuosity with opera: violinist Hannah Cho honours Vienna with Carmen Fantasie Brillante
Violinist Hannah Cho presents a music video of Hubay’s Carmen Fantasie Brillante filmed in Vienna’s Palais Ehrbar, exploring the theatrical side of the repertoire
Combining virtuosity with opera: violinist Hannah Cho honours Vienna with Carmen Fantasie Brillante
Yo‑Yo Ma joins Kakuma refugee collective Exile Key for ‘Yelele Mama’
Teaser trailer drops for Singaporean animated film ‘The Violinist’
From prison to performance: new film spotlights violinist Christian Howes’s artistic transformation
A violinist and three cellists walk into a studio: Emerald Strings rethinks ‘Bolero’
After hours at Guildhall Art Gallery: Vilde Frang and Lawrence Power perform ‘Capricci’
Merging cello and voice: Nicolas Altstaedt and Anna-Lena Elbert perform ‘Ophelia’s Song’ by Shostakovich
Watch: a video performance from Timothy Ridout’s new album, Alto Appassionato
Woven from Light: a listening guide to a world premiere work for violin and cello
Happy birthday Florence Price! Mount Vernon Virtuosi CelloGang performs String Quartet in G major
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Making Matters: Wood treatment in ‘golden period’ Stradivari violins
Stewart Pollens reveals the results of tests on wood shavings from two ‘golden period’ violins by Antonio Stradivari, which sought to discover any evidence of wood treatment
Trade Secrets: An innovative varnish recipe
Johannes Jacobs presents a method for making and applying both the ground coat and an emulsion varnish
A 1911 cello by luthier Władysław Baczyński (1866–1935)
While the Polish luthier made more than 200 violins during his lifetime, only a handful of cellos are known. In the second of two articles marking the 160th anniversary of his birth on 25 June 1866, Grzegorz Kaproń looks at his limited forays into cello making, while Henry Riedstra examines ...
In Focus: A 1757 violin by Joan Guillamí I
Jordi Pinto examines the mid 18th-century instrument
A 1908 viola by luthier Władysław Baczyński (1866–1935)
In the first of two articles marking the 160th anniversary of the Polish luthier’s birth on 25 June 1866, Grzegorz Kaproń gives a brief overview of his life while Henry Riedstra examines a typical viola by the maker
Out of the dark: the 1742 ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin
The ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin of 1742 was once believed lost – and its rediscovery in 2002 was a heart-pounding moment for the experts. Frédéric Chaudière recalls the compelling story of the instrument’s authentication
Making Matters: Wood treatment in ‘golden period’ Stradivari violins
Stewart Pollens reveals the results of tests on wood shavings from two ‘golden period’ violins by Antonio Stradivari, which sought to discover any evidence of wood treatment
Trade Secrets: An innovative varnish recipe
Johannes Jacobs presents a method for making and applying both the ground coat and an emulsion varnish
A 1911 cello by luthier Władysław Baczyński (1866–1935)
While the Polish luthier made more than 200 violins during his lifetime, only a handful of cellos are known. In the second of two articles marking the 160th anniversary of his birth on 25 June 1866, Grzegorz Kaproń looks at his limited forays into cello making, while Henry Riedstra examines ...
In Focus: A 1757 violin by Joan Guillamí I
Jordi Pinto examines the mid 18th-century instrument
A 1908 viola by luthier Władysław Baczyński (1866–1935)
In the first of two articles marking the 160th anniversary of the Polish luthier’s birth on 25 June 1866, Grzegorz Kaproń gives a brief overview of his life while Henry Riedstra examines a typical viola by the maker
Out of the dark: the 1742 ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin
The ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin of 1742 was once believed lost – and its rediscovery in 2002 was a heart-pounding moment for the experts. Frédéric Chaudière recalls the compelling story of the instrument’s authentication
Concert review: Karen Gomyo (violin) New York Philharmonic/Domingo Hindoyan
Leah Hollingsworth attends the performance of Allison Loggins-Hull, Sibelius, Piazzolla and Dvořák at New York’s David Geffen Hall on 15, 16 and 18 April 2026
Concert review: Danish Quartet, Danish National Girls’ Choir
Leah Hollingsworth listens to a recital of Caroline Shaw, Lotta Wennäkoski, Schubert, Astrid Sonne and David Lang at Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall, New York on 17 April 2026
Concert review: Ébène Quartet
Bruce Hodges travels to the Perelman Theater, Philadelphia, PA, US, on 9 April 2026 for the performance of Ravel, Beethoven and Brahms
Boccherini Trio: Conversations À Trois
Franco-Belgian treats delight in an unusual programme
Raphaël Jouan: Dvořák
Suave beauty to the fore in this Bohemian warhorse
Kerson Leong: Fauré
Highly idiomatic artistry gets to the heart of the matter
Book review: Instrumental Music Education: Developing pedagogies as instrumental teachers
Philippa Bunting reads an empathetic, supportive volume on music education, edited by the head of York University’s music education MA course
Book review: Myra Hess: National Treasure
Anne Inglis reads Jessica Duchen’s biography of the British pianist, a leading figure in the London music scene during the war years who counted several string players as friends
Book review: A Childhood in Fragments: A Memoir
Lauren Wesley-Smith reads Gidon Kremer’s autobiography, first published in 1993 and now translated into English for the first time
Debate
Opinion: Period instruments aren’t just specialist tools
Benjamin Shute questions our assumptions about contemporary instrument set‑up and the idea that period instruments are merely specialist equipment
Opinion: Finding creativity in scales
Love them or hate them, scales are at the heart of string training. Violinist and teacher Mark Knight examines why, when approached correctly, they are the gateway to a world of expressive freedom
Debate
Opinion: Period instruments aren’t just specialist tools
Benjamin Shute questions our assumptions about contemporary instrument set‑up and the idea that period instruments are merely specialist equipment
Accessories
Products July 2026: Modacity practice app
A new app that acts as a practice companion for musicians
Products July 2026: Fiedler Sonowood double bass endpin
The endpin mirrors the properties of ebony
Products July 2026: BAM Bonbon case for ¾- and half-sized violins
The company has released a smaller version of its colourful range
Concert review: Karen Gomyo (violin) New York Philharmonic/Domingo Hindoyan
Leah Hollingsworth attends the performance of Allison Loggins-Hull, Sibelius, Piazzolla and Dvořák at New York’s David Geffen Hall on 15, 16 and 18 April 2026
Concert review: Danish Quartet, Danish National Girls’ Choir
Leah Hollingsworth listens to a recital of Caroline Shaw, Lotta Wennäkoski, Schubert, Astrid Sonne and David Lang at Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall, New York on 17 April 2026
Concert review: Ébène Quartet
Bruce Hodges travels to the Perelman Theater, Philadelphia, PA, US, on 9 April 2026 for the performance of Ravel, Beethoven and Brahms
Book review: Instrumental Music Education: Developing pedagogies as instrumental teachers
Philippa Bunting reads an empathetic, supportive volume on music education, edited by the head of York University’s music education MA course
Book review: Myra Hess: National Treasure
Anne Inglis reads Jessica Duchen’s biography of the British pianist, a leading figure in the London music scene during the war years who counted several string players as friends
Book review: A Childhood in Fragments: A Memoir
Lauren Wesley-Smith reads Gidon Kremer’s autobiography, first published in 1993 and now translated into English for the first time
Boccherini Trio: Conversations À Trois
Franco-Belgian treats delight in an unusual programme
Raphaël Jouan: Dvořák
Suave beauty to the fore in this Bohemian warhorse
Kerson Leong: Fauré
Highly idiomatic artistry gets to the heart of the matter
Artists
Christian Tetzlaff: ‘Following the score is freedom’
German violinist Christian Tetzlaff has built a career defined by artistic independence. As he celebrates his 60th birthday, he speaks to Richard Bratby about the values that have shaped his musical life
Yehudi Menuhin 110th anniversary: music with friends
To mark the 110th anniversary of Yehudi Menuhin’s birth on 22 April 1916, Tully Potter presents an overview of the great violinist’s numerous chamber music partnerships and their recordings
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