Watch a string quintet of Philharmonia Orchestra musicians play Julvisa by Jean Sibelius. Originally an art song for vocalist and piano, the tune is one of the most popular Christmas carols in Finland and was arranged for string quintet by Philharmonia cellist Richard Birchall.

The video forms part of the orchestra’s 2024 ‘Christmas Card’ series. The quintet comprises: violinists Eunsley Park and Nuno Carapina, violist Cameron Campbell, cellist Alexander Rolton and bassist Owen Nicolaou.

Read: My audition journey: Nuno Carapina, Philharmonia Orchestra

Watch: Hilary Hahn plays Sibelius aged 16

Available on The Strad Shop

The number one source for playing and teaching books, guides, CDs, calendars and back issues of the magazine.

Playing

Best of Technique

In The Best of Technique you’ll discover the top playing tips of the world’s leading string players and teachers. It’s packed full of exercises for students, plus examples from the standard repertoire to show you how to integrate the technique into your playing.

Teaching

Masterclass

The Strad’s Masterclass series brings together the finest string players with some of the greatest string works ever written. Always one of our most popular sections, Masterclass has been an invaluable aid to aspiring soloists, chamber musicians and string teachers since the 1990s.

Calendars

Calendars

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.

Find more on The Strad Shop

Topics