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Grooving with Gernot Wolfgang: how groove shapes his chamber music
Elmore Quartet wins Royal Over-Seas League Competition strings and keyboard ensemble prize
Winners announced at New Zealand’s 2026 National Concerto Competition
The final 21 days: structuring psychological preparation before high-stakes performance
Winners announced for 2026 Coltman Chamber Music Competition
Recipients of the 2026 Sphinx Medal of Excellence announced
Violinist Nathan Amaral is among the three recipients for this year, who each receive a $50,000 career grant
Cello contestants announced for 2026 Queen Elisabeth Competition
66 cellists will compete in the third cello edition of the competition, taking place in Brussels from 4 May 2026
Why practice doesn’t prepare musicians for performance
Violinist and educator Maggie Watson explores why performance feels so different from the practice room, revealing how perception, the nervous system and psychological skills shape what really happens under pressure, and how musicians can train for the stage as deliberately as they train their technique
Playing Hub
The final 21 days: structuring psychological preparation before high-stakes performance
While it’s tempting to practise more in the lead up to an important event, it can actually do more harm than good! Instead, cellist Joanna Latała shares a 21-day framework for mental preparation that supports technical execution as well as artistic presence
‘Nearly dying has a brutal way of clarifying what actually matters in music’ - Jacob Shaw on his cancer journey
Four years on from his stage 4 cancer diagnosis, Jacob Shaw, professor of cello at the Royal Northern College of Music, reflects on what the experience forced him to prioritise and the realities of returning to performing in an industry that forgets quickly. The journey is recounted in the upcoming ...
Cellist John-Henry Crawford performs Ravel’s ‘Pavane pour une infante défunte’
In celebration of the composer’s birthday, the cellist gives a multi-tracked performance of the work
Charting women’s voices across the centuries: the Brompton Quartet releases ‘Constellations’
Spanning composers from Hildegard von Bingen to Jessie Montgomery, the Brompton Quartet’s debut album explores how women’s voices resonate across nearly one thousand years of music making
Violinist Daniel Lozakovich: lost to the world, led by the heart
Daniel Lozakovich speaks to The Strad about his new album Lost to the World, which comprises a deeply personal programme inspired by early memories, poetic masterpieces and a decade-long musical partnership with pianist Hélène Mercier
Session Report: the Neave Trio on recording Chaminade, Pejačević, and Clara Schumann
The musicians of the US-based Neave Trio speak to Hattie Butterworth about their latest recording, which champions the varied music of three female composers
Premium ❘ Feature
US school repair shops: close to home
In US public school music programmes, broken instruments can harm students’ learning and create stress for teachers. Rita Fernandes discovers the schools that are tackling the problem head on by offering free repairs via in-house repair shops
Premium ❘ Feature
My Space: Nurgül Çomak’s Istanbul workshop
The Turkish maker presents her workshop in the cosmopolitan city
Premium ❘ Feature
US school repair shops: close to home
In US public school music programmes, broken instruments can harm students’ learning and create stress for teachers. Rita Fernandes discovers the schools that are tackling the problem head on by offering free repairs via in-house repair shops
Premium ❘ Focus
Opinion: why string players should pay attention to large muscle groups
Fleet fingers may be the ultimate goal for string players, but it’s the larger muscle groups that form the foundations of solid technique, says cellist Davina Shum
Premium ❘ Focus
Postcard from Geneva: Concours de Genève viola competition
At the 2025 Concours de Genève, which marked the viola’s return to the competition after two decades, Rita Fernandes discovered the unique artistic personalities of the new generation
Competitions
Elmore Quartet wins Royal Over-Seas League Competition strings and keyboard ensemble prize
The quartet receives £10,000 and a Wigmore Hall performance
Winners announced at New Zealand’s 2026 National Concerto Competition
Violinist Lorna Zhang won the top prize of NZD10,000, following her performance of Shostakovich Violin Concerto no.1
Winners announced for 2026 Coltman Chamber Music Competition
Trio Sinfonia wins the the string and piano division and $2,500
Premium ❘ News
Premiere of the Month: Shelley Washington’s new cello concerto
A Metal-influenced cello concerto channels a range of emotions
Premium ❘ News
Competitions, Awards and Appointments: March 2026
The latest competition results, appointments and forthcoming contests
Masterclass: Beethoven String Quartet no.11 op.95 ‘Serioso’, first movement
This whirlwind movement represents a turbulent time in the composer’s life, evident in the work’s relentless momentum and extreme characters, says Ariel Quartet cellist Amit Even-Tov
Masterclass: Hoffmeister Viola Concerto in D major, first movement
Knowledge of the Classical style, technical proficiency and musical creativity are keys to making this movement successful beyond audition preparation, says violist Louise Lansdown
Masterclass: Beethoven String Quartet no.11 op.95 ‘Serioso’, first movement
This whirlwind movement represents a turbulent time in the composer’s life, evident in the work’s relentless momentum and extreme characters, says Ariel Quartet cellist Amit Even-Tov
Masterclass: Hoffmeister Viola Concerto in D major, first movement
Knowledge of the Classical style, technical proficiency and musical creativity are keys to making this movement successful beyond audition preparation, says violist Louise Lansdown
Masterclass: Beethoven Violin Sonata no.10, op.96, first movement
Simplicity is the challenge in this peaceful, pastoral movement, creating an image of Beethoven at one with nature, says violinist Lena Neudauer
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
Elmore Quartet wins Royal Over-Seas League Competition strings and keyboard ensemble prize
The quartet receives £10,000 and a Wigmore Hall performance
Winners announced at New Zealand’s 2026 National Concerto Competition
Violinist Lorna Zhang won the top prize of NZD10,000, following her performance of Shostakovich Violin Concerto no.1
Winners announced for 2026 Coltman Chamber Music Competition
Trio Sinfonia wins the the string and piano division and $2,500
Video premiere: Édith Piaf’s ‘Hymne à l’amour’ for eight cellos performed by the SCS Cello Ensemble
The group has released a new single of Piaf’s eternal classic, filmed at the Scandinavian Cello School and to be featured in an upcoming documentary
Video premiere: Édith Piaf’s ‘Hymne à l’amour’ for eight cellos performed by the SCS Cello Ensemble
Cellist John-Henry Crawford performs Ravel’s ‘Pavane pour une infante défunte’
Michael Stephen Brown gives the viola the spotlight in a new work
The violin technique that shouldn’t exist: MinutePhysics explains Roman Kim’s harmonics technique
Jupiter Quartet performs Ginastera’s String Quartet no.1
Amy Beach’s Romance op.23 for double bass and piano
Roman Kim: virtuosity, artistic freedom and how to find your voice
Bach in a new space: Francesca Dego performs the Chaconne
Video: Richard Tognetti performs at the top of Sydney Opera House
Hina & Fiona perform Handel-Halvorsen Passacaglia for two violins
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US school repair shops: close to home
In US public school music programmes, broken instruments can harm students’ learning and create stress for teachers. Rita Fernandes discovers the schools that are tackling the problem head on by offering free repairs via in-house repair shops
My Space: Nurgül Çomak’s Istanbul workshop
The Turkish maker presents her workshop in the cosmopolitan city
Making Matters: Smoke treatment in Stradivari's instruments
Did Stradivari apply a smoke treatment to his tonewood before starting an instrument? Joseph Nagyvary argues that he did, and examines how the process could benefit luthiers today
In a spirit of collaboration: Brandenburg experiments
Makers at the annual Brandenburg violin making workshop joined forces on a two-year project to build and test two identical violins, one of which was made with treated wood. The results were intriguing. Adam Winskill reports on the methodology and findings
Trade Secrets: Even split, even grain
A simple method for joining plates with even grain orientation
Australian Chamber Orchestra acquires 1610 Maggini viola
The instrument will be played by ACO principal viola Stefanie Farrands
US school repair shops: close to home
In US public school music programmes, broken instruments can harm students’ learning and create stress for teachers. Rita Fernandes discovers the schools that are tackling the problem head on by offering free repairs via in-house repair shops
My Space: Nurgül Çomak’s Istanbul workshop
The Turkish maker presents her workshop in the cosmopolitan city
Making Matters: Smoke treatment in Stradivari's instruments
Did Stradivari apply a smoke treatment to his tonewood before starting an instrument? Joseph Nagyvary argues that he did, and examines how the process could benefit luthiers today
In a spirit of collaboration: Brandenburg experiments
Makers at the annual Brandenburg violin making workshop joined forces on a two-year project to build and test two identical violins, one of which was made with treated wood. The results were intriguing. Adam Winskill reports on the methodology and findings
Trade Secrets: Even split, even grain
A simple method for joining plates with even grain orientation
Australian Chamber Orchestra acquires 1610 Maggini viola
The instrument will be played by ACO principal viola Stefanie Farrands
Concert review: Nicolas Altstaedt (cello) Thomas Dunford (lute)
Bruce Hodges attends Philadelphia’s Perelman Theater on 20 November 2025 for the recital of Bach, Marais and Forqueray and Duparc
Concert review: María Dueñas (violin) Philadelphia Orchestra/Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Bruce Hodges reports on the performance of Lalo, Terence Blanchard and Sibelius at Marian Anderson Hall, Philadelphia, PA, US, on 29 November 2025
Concert review: Juilliard Quartet, Catherine Cho (viola) Marcy Rosen (cello) Marc-André Hamelin (piano)
Leah Hollingsworth reports on the performance at New York’s Alice Tully Hall on 4 December 2025, while Bruce Hodges catches the recital at Philadelphia’s Perelman Theater on 14 December
Calidore Quartet: American Tapestry
A New York-based quartet explores its heritage to fine effect
Akhtamar Quartet: Origins
A great Bohemian reframed to exhilarating effect
I Solisti Ambrosiani: Giardini
Music of galant charm undermined by technical issues
Book review: The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz: A Story of Survival
Anne Inglis reviews Anne Sebba’s moving history of the all-female ensemble that performed in the notorious Nazi death camp
Book review: Bach: The Cello Suites
Janet Banks reads Edward Klorman’s analysis of the six legendary solo works for cello by Johann Sebastian Bach
Book review: Hands, Wrists, Fingers: Creative Health for Musicians
Philippa Bunting reads Pedro de Alcantara’s volume on boosting health for the curious musician, including some novel arm, wrist, hand and finger exercises for string players
Debate
Opinion: why string players should pay attention to large muscle groups
Fleet fingers may be the ultimate goal for string players, but it’s the larger muscle groups that form the foundations of solid technique, says cellist Davina Shum
Opinion: SongHa Choi on ‘aura’ in live performance
In an age of instant digital access to recorded music, violinist SongHa Choi still believes that nothing can compare to the experience of a live performance
Debate
Opinion: why string players should pay attention to large muscle groups
Fleet fingers may be the ultimate goal for string players, but it’s the larger muscle groups that form the foundations of solid technique, says cellist Davina Shum
Opinion: SongHa Choi on ‘aura’ in live performance
In an age of instant digital access to recorded music, violinist SongHa Choi still believes that nothing can compare to the experience of a live performance
Accessories
Products March 2026: Pirastro KorfkerSpring chin rest
A new chin rest designed for flexibility and adjustability
Products March 2026: Swiss Wood Solutions Sonowood pegs
Four sustainable materials are available
Products March 2026: Thomastik-Infeld Rondo Gold viola strings
The range has now extended to include the viola
Concert review: Nicolas Altstaedt (cello) Thomas Dunford (lute)
Bruce Hodges attends Philadelphia’s Perelman Theater on 20 November 2025 for the recital of Bach, Marais and Forqueray and Duparc
Concert review: María Dueñas (violin) Philadelphia Orchestra/Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Bruce Hodges reports on the performance of Lalo, Terence Blanchard and Sibelius at Marian Anderson Hall, Philadelphia, PA, US, on 29 November 2025
Concert review: Juilliard Quartet, Catherine Cho (viola) Marcy Rosen (cello) Marc-André Hamelin (piano)
Leah Hollingsworth reports on the performance at New York’s Alice Tully Hall on 4 December 2025, while Bruce Hodges catches the recital at Philadelphia’s Perelman Theater on 14 December
Book review: The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz: A Story of Survival
Anne Inglis reviews Anne Sebba’s moving history of the all-female ensemble that performed in the notorious Nazi death camp
Book review: Bach: The Cello Suites
Janet Banks reads Edward Klorman’s analysis of the six legendary solo works for cello by Johann Sebastian Bach
Book review: Hands, Wrists, Fingers: Creative Health for Musicians
Philippa Bunting reads Pedro de Alcantara’s volume on boosting health for the curious musician, including some novel arm, wrist, hand and finger exercises for string players
Calidore Quartet: American Tapestry
A New York-based quartet explores its heritage to fine effect
Akhtamar Quartet: Origins
A great Bohemian reframed to exhilarating effect
I Solisti Ambrosiani: Giardini
Music of galant charm undermined by technical issues
Artists
Nemanja Radulović: music in the moment
Charismatic Serbian violinist Nemanja Radulović chats to Charlotte Gardner about the importance of artistic freedom and musical friendships, and recording his latest album of music by Prokofiev
Beauty unbound by history: cellist Tommy Mesa explores the many voices of his 1767 Gagliano
Cellist Tommy Mesa’s historic Gagliano cello frames an eclectic programme spanning repertoire familiar and new.
Stella Chen: a bright future
The American violinist chats with Rebecca Franks about her philosophy of playing and teaching, studying at Harvard, her experience of winning the Queen Elisabeth Competition and her new album, which marks a fresh chapter in her career
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