A rare cello by the least prolific member of the Neapolitan family, the ‘McConnell’ has a two piece back of slab-cut poplar
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.
- 1824 ‘McConnell’ Nicolò Gagliano II cello
The great-nephew of Gennaro, Nicolò Gagliano II (fl.1800–25) made possibly the fewest instruments of any of the Gagliano dynasty, making the 1824 ‘McConnell’ cello a relative rarity. It is named after the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, which donated the cello to the Canada Council in 2000. John Wilson McConnell was a businessman and philanthropist who by 1920 was one of the wealthiest men in Canada; he established the foundation in 1937 to provide grants mainly for health, educational, and cultural initiatives.
Like the ‘Newland’ Celoniato cello, the ‘McConnell’ has a two piece back of slab-cut poplar, which this time displays an irregular figure. The ribs are made from a matching material and the scroll is of maple. The two-piece top is made of slab-cut pine, and the varnish is a rich golden-brown. The cello’s former players include British cellist Robert Cohen, who used it in the 1970s. It is currently played by Andrea Stewart.
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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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