A beautiful instrument with plentiful red–brown varnish, it has been played by Robert Cohen, Martin Lovett and others
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.
c.1696 ‘Bonjour’ Antonio Stradivari cello
Although the ‘Bonjour’ Stradivari is dated 1696, controversy has always surrounded its exact age. The luthier inconveniently used an old label from the 1660s, and wrote the last two digits in by hand; now almost completely indecipherable, these have led to the cello being given a number of different dates by experts, but its similarity to other cellos from around 1696 lead them to attribute this date instead. The ‘Bonjour’, however, is a beautiful instrument with plentiful red–brown varnish and a back made from two pieces of quarter-cut maple with thin flame.
The cello was cut down at some point in the 19th century to meet the demands of the repertoire at that time, but it has always been sought after by top artists. In 1984 it was bought by the British cellist Robert Cohen, last year named the Royal Academy of Music’s William Pleeth professor of cello. He held on to it until 1992 when it was bought by Martin Lovett of the Amadeus Quartet, who used it for seven years. It has been part of the Musical Instrument Bank’s collection since 1999, the anonymous donor stating it was a result of their having seen the 1998 film Hilary and Jackie, in which Jacqueline du Pré is presented with the ‘Davidov’ Stradivari cello. It was subsequently restored by luthier Ric W. Heinl. It is currently played by Bryan Cheng.
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Read more lutherie articles here
Read: Robert Max on playing the 1726 ‘Saveuse’ Stradivari cello
Watch: Comparing 3 Stradivari cellos
Read: Piecing together the history of the ‘Mara’ Stradivari cello
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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