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Minnesota Orchestra announces unexpected passing of violist Ken Freed
‘When you programme a festival, you need to find an anchor’ - Julia Fischer on the Boswil Summer Festival
Just Biber: a new video from violinist Rachel Podger
Juilliard Quartet appoints new second violinist
Violinist Nicola Benedetti performs at NHS hospital
Metropolitan police release CCTV images of suspected £150k violin thief
David López Ibáñez’s 1740 Carcassi violin and bows were stolen from a pub in Canonbury, London on the evening of Tuesday 18 February 2025
Always by my side: what do cellists keep in their case?
From endpin stoppers, to mutes and yoga mats, leading cellists reveal the items that they always carry with them when they are on the road. From the June 2025 Accessories supplement
Results announced for the 2025 Antonio Mormone International Prize
Dutch violinist Hawijch Elders receives €30,000, artistic management and an album recording opportunity
Playing Hub
‘When you programme a festival, you need to find an anchor’ - Julia Fischer on the Boswil Summer Festival
Ahead of the Boswil Summer Festival, co-artistic director Julia Fischer speaks to The Strad’s staff writer Rita Fernandes about programming her first summer edition, unique concert formats and engaging festival goers
’My deepest fulfilment lies in broadening the violin repertoire’: Oleg Pokhanovski on transcribing Don Juan for violin and piano
Playing in the Golden Era spirit of Heifetz, Oleg Pokhanovski plays both the violin and piano parts in this unique transcription of Richard Strauss’ epic symphonic tone poem. He shares his thoughts on this monumental feat with The Strad
Moth x Human: how a new work highlights biodiversity decline using moth flight data
Violinist and composer Ellie Wilson explains how her composition creates a dialogue between moths and humans, ahead of its London premiere on 5 July
A new solo cello EP pays tribute to women’s wartime bravery
Sonata for Solo Cello: Joanna’s Tale by cellist and composer Dobrawa Czocher commemorates the 80th anniversary of Poland’s Warsaw Uprising, the largest resistance-led military action against Nazi occupation during the Second World War
Session Report: Nancy Zhou on her debut album for solo violin
Violinist Nancy Zhou speaks to Charlotte Gardner about her debut album, which is inspired by stories of personal and musical relationships, and showcases the versatility of the violin as a solo instrument
Opinion: The future of lutherie after the Newark School’s course cancellations
News came in May that the Newark School of Violin Making is withdrawing its degree-level courses. Helen Michetschläger, who trained at the school, says what this might mean for the future of lutherie worldwide
Premium ❘ Feature
Staying power: US String Quartets
As Brooklyn Rider and the Jack and the Miró quartets mark milestone anniversaries, Thomas May looks at how these contemporary American ensembles are not just surviving, but reshaping the 21st-century musical landscape
Premium ❘ Feature
Staying power: US String Quartets
As Brooklyn Rider and the Jack and the Miró quartets mark milestone anniversaries, Thomas May looks at how these contemporary American ensembles are not just surviving, but reshaping the 21st-century musical landscape
Premium ❘ Focus
Postcard from Newark: Newark School Lutherie Day
Students, amateurs and professional makers all came together at this year’s Lutherie Day for talks on anything violin-related. Christian Lloyd went along
Premium ❘ Focus
‘We could all do with being a little less vain’: Tanja Tetzlaff’s life lessons
The German cellist on her biggest influences and the importance of humility
Competitions
Winners announced at Vienna’s Violins & Soul Competition
Cash prizes, along with loans of a Stradivari and Jacob Stainer violins, were awarded to the three finalists, who performed salon music repertoire and works by female composers
Results announced for the 2025 Antonio Mormone International Prize
Dutch violinist Hawijch Elders receives €30,000, artistic management and an album recording opportunity
WATCH: Antonio Mormone International Prize finals – day four
The finalists take turns performing the same sonata on the same historical instrument
Premium ❘ News
Premiere of the Month: Cris Derksen’s new cello quartet for the Galvin Quartet
The history of slavery in Rhode Island builds the basis for a new cello quartet
Premium ❘ News
Competitions, Awards and Appointments: July 2025
The latest competition results, appointments and forthcoming contests
Masterclass: Dvořák String Quartet no.12 ‘American’, second movement
Cellist of the Dover Quartet Camden Shaw illustrates the importance of sound exploration in this bittersweet movement that can be seen as a metaphor for life and its many tribulations
Masterclass: Schumann Fantasiestücke for cello and piano
These three pieces pose an opportunity to create a dream-like sound world illustrating love in all its forms, says cellist Christian-Pierre La Marca
Masterclass: Dvořák String Quartet no.12 ‘American’, second movement
Cellist of the Dover Quartet Camden Shaw illustrates the importance of sound exploration in this bittersweet movement that can be seen as a metaphor for life and its many tribulations
Masterclass: Schumann Fantasiestücke for cello and piano
These three pieces pose an opportunity to create a dream-like sound world illustrating love in all its forms, says cellist Christian-Pierre La Marca
Masterclass: Mozart Violin Concerto no.4 in D major, first movement
Remembering that Mozart was an opera composer and understanding harmonies are the keys to bringing out the various characters in this work, says violinist Tobias Feldmann
The Strad Podcast: How to tailor the Suzuki Method to different students with violinist Meghan Faw
The violinist shares her personal experiences with the method as both a student and a teacher
The Strad Podcast: How to hold a masterclass with violinist Paul Huang
The violinist speaks about his teaching approaches in a unique learning experience, in the third part of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to teach collaborative skills with violinist Annie Fullard of the Cavani Quartet
‘We should live in a chamber music world’ - the violinist speaks about the importance of collaboration inside and outside of the practice room, in the second episode of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to practise effectively with violinist Ray Chen
The first in our new four-part education themed podcast series features our September 2024 cover star
The Strad Podcast: How to tailor the Suzuki Method to different students with violinist Meghan Faw
The violinist shares her personal experiences with the method as both a student and a teacher
The Strad Podcast: How to hold a masterclass with violinist Paul Huang
The violinist speaks about his teaching approaches in a unique learning experience, in the third part of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to teach collaborative skills with violinist Annie Fullard of the Cavani Quartet
‘We should live in a chamber music world’ - the violinist speaks about the importance of collaboration inside and outside of the practice room, in the second episode of our four-part education-themed podcast series
Competitions
Winners announced at Vienna’s Violins & Soul Competition
Cash prizes, along with loans of a Stradivari and Jacob Stainer violins, were awarded to the three finalists, who performed salon music repertoire and works by female composers
Results announced for the 2025 Antonio Mormone International Prize
Dutch violinist Hawijch Elders receives €30,000, artistic management and an album recording opportunity
WATCH: Antonio Mormone International Prize finals – day four
The finalists take turns performing the same sonata on the same historical instrument
Watch: Alisa Weilerstein performs The Recovery of Paradise: Blackford Cello Concerto
Weilerstein performs the third movement with the Czech Philharmonic and conductor Tomáš Netopil
Watch: Alisa Weilerstein performs The Recovery of Paradise: Blackford Cello Concerto
Just Biber: a new video from violinist Rachel Podger
New video: Lembit Beecher’s ‘Green Line’ performed by cellist Karen Ouzounian
WATCH: Antonio Mormone International Prize finals – day four
WATCH: Antonio Mormone International Prize finals - day three
WATCH: Antonio Mormone International Prize finals - day two
WATCH: Antonio Mormone International Prize finals - day one
‘Bien chanté’: Violinist Cristian de Sá on Ravel’s Sonate op. Posthume
New video: cellist Juliette Herlin performs Debussy Rêverie
Perfectly poised pizzicato: Louise McMonagle performs ‘Salat Babilya’ for solo cello
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- Next
My Space: Alan Beavitt’s Scoraig workshop
Take a tour of the maker’s Scottish shop
In Focus: A 1942 violin by Arturo Fracassi
Leonardo Cella examines the mid-century instrument by the Italian maker
Charles Beare: 1937–2025
One of the world’s most renowned violin experts died on 26 April this year. Anne Inglis looks back at his life, while friends and colleagues share their memories
Trade Secrets: Creating neck graft sockets – part one
The first of two articles on this topic gives a full and thorough account of casting a scroll and pegbox
Ilya Finkelshteyn: Playing the Domenico Montagnana ‘Farina’ cello 1730
Cellist Ilya Finkelshteyn shares his experience of playing the ’Farina’, the cover instrument of The Strad’s July 2025 issue and poster. He is principal cellist in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, a faculty member of the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, and a frequent performer at the Mostly Mozart ...
Power and majesty: Domenico Montagnana ‘Farina’ cello 1730
Made by Domenico Montagnana in 1730, the ‘Farina’ cello is a stunning instrument with a rich, powerful sound. John Waddle and Steve Sirr delve into its history and show how CT scans helped gather measurements for this month’s poster
My Space: Alan Beavitt’s Scoraig workshop
Take a tour of the maker’s Scottish shop
In Focus: A 1942 violin by Arturo Fracassi
Leonardo Cella examines the mid-century instrument by the Italian maker
Charles Beare: 1937–2025
One of the world’s most renowned violin experts died on 26 April this year. Anne Inglis looks back at his life, while friends and colleagues share their memories
Trade Secrets: Creating neck graft sockets – part one
The first of two articles on this topic gives a full and thorough account of casting a scroll and pegbox
Ilya Finkelshteyn: Playing the Domenico Montagnana ‘Farina’ cello 1730
Cellist Ilya Finkelshteyn shares his experience of playing the ’Farina’, the cover instrument of The Strad’s July 2025 issue and poster. He is principal cellist in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, a faculty member of the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, and a frequent performer at the Mostly Mozart ...
Power and majesty: Domenico Montagnana ‘Farina’ cello 1730
Made by Domenico Montagnana in 1730, the ‘Farina’ cello is a stunning instrument with a rich, powerful sound. John Waddle and Steve Sirr delve into its history and show how CT scans helped gather measurements for this month’s poster
Concert review: Adele Anthony, Gil Shaham (violins) Sejong Soloists
Leah Hollingsworth hears the performance of Vivaldi, Bach, David Diamond and Avner Dorman at Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall, NY, US, on 8 April 2025
Concert review: Rudersdal Chamber Players
Leah Hollingsworth visits New York’s Symphony Space on 16 April 2025 for the recital of Elena Firsova, Victoria Bond, Andrew Waggoner and Poul Ruders
Concert review: Danish Quartet
Bruce Hodges travels to Philadelphia’s Perelman Theater on 2 April 2025 for a performance of Schubert, Sørensen and Nielsen
Renato Criscuolo: Marcello
Lack of finesse short-changes these fine Baroque sonatas
Tobias Feldmann: Mozart’s Journey to Paris
A period-instrument authority makes a strong case for Mozart
Fanny Clamagirand: Florence Price
Performances of great character for a still-underrated American
Book review: Antonio Stradivari: The Complete Works
Eric Wen scrutinises the mammoth six-volume work by Beares Publishing comprising all the known works of Antonio Stradivari along with his sons
Book review: The Schubert Treatment: A Story of Music and Healing
Anne Inglis gives her thoughts on cellist Claire Oppert’s book detailing her experiences of how music can transform the lives of dementia patients and autistic children
Book review: Notes for Cellists: A Guide to the Repertoire
Lauren Wesley-Smith reads Miranda Wilson’s detailed guide to the cello repertoire
Debate
Opinion: The future of lutherie after the Newark School’s course cancellations
News came in May that the Newark School of Violin Making is withdrawing its degree-level courses. Helen Michetschläger, who trained at the school, says what this might mean for the future of lutherie worldwide
Opinion: Intelligent approaches to the bow in orchestral playing
The default for many orchestral string players is to use as much bow as possible to achieve maximum projection. Violinist Alexandra Gorski argues that a more thoughtful approach is necessary
Debate
Opinion: The future of lutherie after the Newark School’s course cancellations
News came in May that the Newark School of Violin Making is withdrawing its degree-level courses. Helen Michetschläger, who trained at the school, says what this might mean for the future of lutherie worldwide
Opinion: Intelligent approaches to the bow in orchestral playing
The default for many orchestral string players is to use as much bow as possible to achieve maximum projection. Violinist Alexandra Gorski argues that a more thoughtful approach is necessary
Accessories
Products July 2025: Schilbach black gold steel carving knife
Hardened steel knives for extra precision
Products July 2025: Arcotype self-rehairable bow
A new bow that allows users to undertake rehairs themselves
Products July 2025: Howard Core C-crack clamps
A new products for repairing cracks in instrument plates
Concert review: Adele Anthony, Gil Shaham (violins) Sejong Soloists
Leah Hollingsworth hears the performance of Vivaldi, Bach, David Diamond and Avner Dorman at Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall, NY, US, on 8 April 2025
Concert review: Rudersdal Chamber Players
Leah Hollingsworth visits New York’s Symphony Space on 16 April 2025 for the recital of Elena Firsova, Victoria Bond, Andrew Waggoner and Poul Ruders
Concert review: Danish Quartet
Bruce Hodges travels to Philadelphia’s Perelman Theater on 2 April 2025 for a performance of Schubert, Sørensen and Nielsen
Book review: Antonio Stradivari: The Complete Works
Eric Wen scrutinises the mammoth six-volume work by Beares Publishing comprising all the known works of Antonio Stradivari along with his sons
Book review: The Schubert Treatment: A Story of Music and Healing
Anne Inglis gives her thoughts on cellist Claire Oppert’s book detailing her experiences of how music can transform the lives of dementia patients and autistic children
Book review: Notes for Cellists: A Guide to the Repertoire
Lauren Wesley-Smith reads Miranda Wilson’s detailed guide to the cello repertoire
Renato Criscuolo: Marcello
Lack of finesse short-changes these fine Baroque sonatas
Tobias Feldmann: Mozart’s Journey to Paris
A period-instrument authority makes a strong case for Mozart
Fanny Clamagirand: Florence Price
Performances of great character for a still-underrated American
Artists
Adam Summerhayes: Music shaped by instinct
Adam Summerhayes is a violinist and composer who combines his flair for improvisation and a love of folk music with a classical training and technique. He speaks to Alexandra Petropoulos about his latest projects and his very special instruments
Music between friends: Sheku Kanneh-Mason on his new album, ‘Shostakovich & Britten’
The British cellist speaks to The Strad about his deeply personal new album, the influence of Rostropovich and the emotional extremes that keep him returning to this music.
Great violinists: Yehudi Menuhin
Julian Haylock examines the player whose openness and sincerity gave even lighter music a profound emotional resonance
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