One of only eight cellos known to be made by the Turin-based luthier, it is named after Canadian cellist Christine Newland
The Canada Council for the Arts is the country’s public arts funder. Through its programme of grants, services, prizes and payments, it supports and promotes the nation’s arts scene both across Canada and internationally. The Strad Calendar 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of its Musical Instrument Bank by showcasing twelve of the finest instruments in its collection.
1730 ‘Newland’ Giovanni Francesco Celoniato cello
This is one of the rarities in the Musical Instrument Bank’s collection. Only around eight known examples of cellos by the Turin-based maker Giovanni Francesco Celoniato (1676–1751) still survive, some of them showing the involvement of his presumed pupil Giovanni Battista Genova. Celoniato’s cellos, however, are made to a supremely high standard, particularly in the careful craftsmanship, the refined golden-brown varnish over an amber ground, and the choice of materials. The back is made from two pieces of slab-cut poplar, with ribs of matching material. The scroll is of lime wood. The table is made from three pieces of pine, the centre being of wide grain and the two flanking pieces of medium-width grain.
The cello is named after Christine Newland who sold it to the Canada Council in 2011 after 40 years as principal cellist of the London Symphonia, formerly known as Orchestra London (based in London, Ontario). It also has a connection with London, UK, in that it is believed to be the twin of another Celoniato cello made with wood from the same tree, which is currently in the collection of London’s Royal Academy of Music. It is currently played by Daniel Hass.
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Read more lutherie articles here
Read: In focus: c.1737 cello by G.F. Celoniato
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From the Archive: a cello by Pressenda, Turin, 1828
Photo: Donna Santos Studio
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The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.
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