Named for Canadian violinist Pearl Palmason, the violin has a back of one piece of maple with broad figure
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.
- 1747 ‘Palmason’ Gennaro Gagliano violin
This violin is named for Pearl Palmason, one of the first women in Canada to forge a career as an orchestral player. Born in Winnipeg in 1915, she studied with Carl Flesch in London, UK, and D.E. Dounis in New York before joining the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, where she served for four decades as assistant concertmaster and, at times, the acting concertmaster. She also formed the Perla Quartet, and was the subject of a documentary, Pearl: A Passion for the Fiddle, in 2001. She loaned the Gagliano to the Canada Council in 2003 and after her death in 2006, the anonymous heir continued the loan.
Gennaro Gagliano (1705–c.1790) was the second son of Alessandro Gagliano, the founder of the illustrious Neapolitan dynasty of makers. The back of the ‘Palmason’ is of one piece of maple with broad figure, descending from left to right. The ribs and scroll are of similar material. The two-piece top is of narrow-grained spruce widening at the flanks. The varnish is of a rich golden colour. It is currently played by Julia Mirzoev.
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Photos: 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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