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![[hasnt been used much] G Hoffman - photo William Beaucardet - a](https://dnan0fzjxntrj.cloudfront.net/Pictures/274x183/0/2/9/44029_hasntbeenusedmuchghoffmanphotowilliambeaucardeta_116713_crop.jpg)
Ten-year-old violinist wins 2026 Il Piccolo Violino Magico competition
Japanese violinist Yanai Mana receives a scholarship worth €7,000 and a Fabio Piagentini violin
Provisional agreement revises EU rules for instruments on planes
The European Parliament and the Council have provisionally amended the rules, ensuring clearer guidelines for travelling musicians
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
Playing Hub
How do string players deal with extreme heat?
Air temperature management, understanding humidity levels, as well as hydration and clothing choices are crucial for string players as they and their instruments face extreme weather this summer. Davina Shum chats to string players on how they deal with sweltering conditions
Inside Philip Glass’s early violin masterpiece Strung Out
From discovering the score as a student to recording the work decades later, violinist Darragh Morgan traces his long relationship with Philip Glass’s strikingly original 1968 composition for solo violin
Reaching for the stars: Ethan Jankowski on creating a celestial sound galaxy for strings
Ahead of the premiere of his prize-winning work Au delá de la Voûte étoilée (‘Beyond the Starry Vault’) at the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, the composer shares insights on the quirks and challenges of writing for strings, as well as why it’s necessary to dismantle a work and start ...
Bella Hristova on ‘Lineage’: commissioning six new works for solo violin
What connects Bach, Ysaÿe and the composers of today? Violinist Bella Hristova shares her thoughts behind her latest project Lineage, which pays tribute to history’s violin masterpieces through six new commissions
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
Session Report: viola da gamba player Caroline Nicolas on recording early-Baroque French music
Canadian viola da gamba player Caroline Nicolas tells Charlotte Gardner about recording her intimate and meditative debut solo album of early-Baroque French music
Premium ❘ Feature
Frank Kovanda: bow man to the stars
Frank Kovanda is acknowledged as one of America’s finest 20th-century bow makers. Gennady Filimonov tells his story and examines some examples of his work
Premium ❘ Feature
‘Truly there were giants in those days’ - From the archive: July 1906
Author and violin maker John Broadhouse reviews the memoirs of British violinist George Haddock (1823–1907), a treasure trove of stories of 19th-century players
Premium ❘ Feature
Frank Kovanda: bow man to the stars
Frank Kovanda is acknowledged as one of America’s finest 20th-century bow makers. Gennady Filimonov tells his story and examines some examples of his work
Premium ❘ Focus
Opinion: Why memorisation is so vital
Cellist Hannah Roberts reflects on the value of memorising music, and why developing this skill can deepen understanding and strengthen communication in performance
![[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
Competitions
Ten-year-old violinist wins 2026 Il Piccolo Violino Magico competition
Japanese violinist Yanai Mana receives a scholarship worth €7,000 and a Fabio Piagentini violin
Winners announced for the 2026 Tibor Junior International Violin Competition
17-year-old violinist Natalia Dragan receives the first prize of €5,000
Results announced for 2026 Ilona Fehér International Violin Competition
The top prizes were won by Argentinian violinist Pilar Policano and US violinist Valerie Bai
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: Mozart Violin Sonata no.32 in B flat major, first movement
In a movement that evokes all the delightful quirks of a Mozart opera, it’s important to maintain a dialogue between violin and piano, says violinist Arnaud Sussmann
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: Mozart Violin Sonata no.32 in B flat major, first movement
In a movement that evokes all the delightful quirks of a Mozart opera, it’s important to maintain a dialogue between violin and piano, says violinist Arnaud Sussmann
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
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
Ten-year-old violinist wins 2026 Il Piccolo Violino Magico competition
Japanese violinist Yanai Mana receives a scholarship worth €7,000 and a Fabio Piagentini violin
Winners announced for the 2026 Tibor Junior International Violin Competition
17-year-old violinist Natalia Dragan receives the first prize of €5,000
Results announced for 2026 Ilona Fehér International Violin Competition
The top prizes were won by Argentinian violinist Pilar Policano and US violinist Valerie Bai
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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Frank Kovanda: bow man to the stars
Frank Kovanda is acknowledged as one of America’s finest 20th-century bow makers. Gennady Filimonov tells his story and examines some examples of his work
My Space: Charlo Xuereb’s Marsaskala workshop
The luthier presents his Maltese shop
Learning the art of bow rehairing: the RAB Trust Bow Course
Held from 28 June to 2 July 2026, Libby Summers reports back from the inaugural RAB Trust Bow Course, where a cohort of students were hand-picked to learn the art of rehairing a bow from scratch
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 ...
Frank Kovanda: bow man to the stars
Frank Kovanda is acknowledged as one of America’s finest 20th-century bow makers. Gennady Filimonov tells his story and examines some examples of his work
My Space: Charlo Xuereb’s Marsaskala workshop
The luthier presents his Maltese shop
Learning the art of bow rehairing: the RAB Trust Bow Course
Held from 28 June to 2 July 2026, Libby Summers reports back from the inaugural RAB Trust Bow Course, where a cohort of students were hand-picked to learn the art of rehairing a bow from scratch
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 ...
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
Alina Ibragimova: Beethoven
A long-standing partnership returns fruitfully to Beethoven
David Nadien: Beethoven, Franck, Mozart
A rare insight into a treasurable artist
Alla Maniera Italiana Quartet: Presumed Beethoven
Works of questionable authorship brought to life with lively musicianship
Book review: The Cello Who Loved Me
Janet Banks reads amateur US cellist George Sorensen’s account of taking up the instrument in his later years, and becoming good enough to play the Beatles’ Here Comes the Sun
Book review: Violin Culture in Britain 1870–1930: Music-making, Society, and the Popularity of Stringed Instruments
Robin Stowell reads Christina Bashford’s investigation into the explosion in the popularity of playing violin-family instruments in late Victorian and early 20th-century Britain
Book review: Music and Silence: The Passion and Protest of Pablo Casals
Pauline Harding and her daughter read a picture-book biography of the great 20th-century cellist, focusing on his lengthy slient protest against the Franco regime
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: The Cello Who Loved Me
Janet Banks reads amateur US cellist George Sorensen’s account of taking up the instrument in his later years, and becoming good enough to play the Beatles’ Here Comes the Sun
Book review: Violin Culture in Britain 1870–1930: Music-making, Society, and the Popularity of Stringed Instruments
Robin Stowell reads Christina Bashford’s investigation into the explosion in the popularity of playing violin-family instruments in late Victorian and early 20th-century Britain
Book review: Music and Silence: The Passion and Protest of Pablo Casals
Pauline Harding and her daughter read a picture-book biography of the great 20th-century cellist, focusing on his lengthy slient protest against the Franco regime
Alina Ibragimova: Beethoven
A long-standing partnership returns fruitfully to Beethoven
David Nadien: Beethoven, Franck, Mozart
A rare insight into a treasurable artist
Alla Maniera Italiana Quartet: Presumed Beethoven
Works of questionable authorship brought to life with lively musicianship
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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