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New Holocaust documentary features music performed on a violin that survived Auschwitz
Music in Millport: How being ‘human’ as a teacher inspired a small isle’s music community
13-year-old violinist wins $20k first prize at Cooper International Competition
The string winners of the 2025 International Classical Music Awards
LA Phil cancels concerts, as musicians lose homes in wildfires
The ongoing fires continue to affect the orchestra’s musicians and staff, while a fundraiser has been set up to help an LA Phil violinist whose home was lost in the Eaton Fire
Bryony Gibson-Cornish: How I acquired my dream Amati viola
Bryony Gibson-Cornish, violist with the Marmen Quartet, explains the remarkable chain of events that led her to acquire her dream instrument – a 1610 Brothers Amati viola – thanks to the Stradivari Trust
Handwritten manuscript of a Beethoven string quartet movement returns to Bonn, 200 years after composition
Beethoven-Haus Bonn has acquired the autograph manuscript of the fourth movement from Beethoven’s String Quartet op.130 ’Alla Danza tedesca’, which was confiscated by Nazis from the Petschek family during the Second World War
Playing Hub
Family treasures: Leopold van der Pals
At the turn of the millennium, a young Scandinavian cellist discovered he had an illustrious musical forebear. Since then, a treasury of previously unperformed music has come to light. Andrew Mellor speaks to cellist Tobias van der Pals about his great-great-uncle Leopold’s legacy
‘See each concert as the most important one in your life’ - Daniel Hope’s life lessons
The violinist on his many influences and what is at the heart of a musician’s career
The healing power of the cello: four adult learners share their stories of overcoming adversity
What inspires someone to pick up the cello later on in life? Cellist, educator and creator of online cello school Cello Discovery Carolyn Hagler explores how learning the cello has enriched the lives of four adult learners
Music for our time: violinist Paul Huang on his new album ‘Mirrors’
The violinist speaks to The Strad about a musical journey that he hopes inspires listeners to ponder the past, present and future
Session Report: Baroque violinist Davina Clarke on The Art of Obligato
Baroque violinist Davina Clarke speaks to Harry White about her new album, The Art of Obligato, which explores the intricate interplay between vocal and instrumental lines in Bach’s sacred cantatas
Sentimental Work: Anne Gastinel on Dutilleux’s 3 Strophes sur le nom de Paul Sacher
The French cellist was captivated by Dutilleux’s 3 Strophes sur le nom de Paul Sacher from the first hearing; and it also provided an opportunity to meet the composer
Premium ❘ Feature
Family treasures: Leopold van der Pals
At the turn of the millennium, a young Scandinavian cellist discovered he had an illustrious musical forebear. Since then, a treasury of previously unperformed music has come to light. Andrew Mellor speaks to cellist Tobias van der Pals about his great-great-uncle Leopold’s legacy
Premium ❘ Feature
Trade Secrets: A new approach to bracing flat-back instruments
This system of ‘responsive bracing’ allows for the natural movement of the wood
Premium ❘ Feature
Family treasures: Leopold van der Pals
At the turn of the millennium, a young Scandinavian cellist discovered he had an illustrious musical forebear. Since then, a treasury of previously unperformed music has come to light. Andrew Mellor speaks to cellist Tobias van der Pals about his great-great-uncle Leopold’s legacy
Premium ❘ Focus
Opinion: AI vs live performance?
Even with the proliferation of technology such as generative AI in the music industry, violist Toby Deller believes there will always be a strong human need to experience live performance
Premium ❘ Focus
Postcard from Lesbos: Molyvos International Music Festival
On the Greek island of Lesbos, the Molyvos International Music Festival offers live chamber music to a diverse international audience, as Claire Jackson discovered
Competitions
13-year-old violinist wins $20k first prize at Cooper International Competition
Swiss violinist Edna Unseld scooped an impressive prize package, which also includes a two-year loan of an Italian violin, career mentorship and a future performance engagement
Elster Trio wins the Polytechnical Society eV Chamber Music prize
The Frankfurt-based ensemble receives €5,000
Winners announced for New Zealand’s 2024 National String Competition
14-year-old violinist Hayden Chiu receives NZ$5,000 and performance opportunities
Premium ❘ News
Premiere of the Month: Donghoon Shin’s new viola concerto for Amihai Grosz
D flat major forms the basis of a new viola concerto
Premium ❘ News
Competitions, Awards and Appointments: January 2025
The latest competition results, appointments and forthcoming contests
Masterclass: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, first movement
Although this concerto is a well-known staple of the repertoire, violinists can still find opportunities to explore refreshing interpretations in this movement, says Paul Huang
Masterclass: Schubert ‘Death and the Maiden’ String Quartet, second movement
Violist of the Kuss Quartet William Coleman emphasises the importance of creating a narrative arc in this movement, which encompasses a journey of emotional ambivalence
Masterclass: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, first movement
Although this concerto is a well-known staple of the repertoire, violinists can still find opportunities to explore refreshing interpretations in this movement, says Paul Huang
Masterclass: Schubert ‘Death and the Maiden’ String Quartet, second movement
Violist of the Kuss Quartet William Coleman emphasises the importance of creating a narrative arc in this movement, which encompasses a journey of emotional ambivalence
Masterclass: Saint-Saëns Havanaise op.83
Violinist Max Baillie gives smart and efficient practice tips to showcase a piece for violin and orchestra that juxtaposes lyricism with virtuosic passagework
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
13-year-old violinist wins $20k first prize at Cooper International Competition
Swiss violinist Edna Unseld scooped an impressive prize package, which also includes a two-year loan of an Italian violin, career mentorship and a future performance engagement
Elster Trio wins the Polytechnical Society eV Chamber Music prize
The Frankfurt-based ensemble receives €5,000
Winners announced for New Zealand’s 2024 National String Competition
14-year-old violinist Hayden Chiu receives NZ$5,000 and performance opportunities
Watch: a 1981 Leonid Kogan Paganini performance with restored audio and video
Daniel Kurganov has remastered the entirety of Kogan’s performance of Paganini Violin Concerto no.1
Watch: a 1981 Leonid Kogan Paganini performance with restored audio and video
Tommy Mesa performs Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1
Watch: Philharmonia Orchestra musicians play a festive string quintet
Watch: New violin-playing robot specialises in Indian music
Verdi’s La Forza del Destino for double bass and piano
![Bach_fuga_Artwork[DIGITAL]](https://dnan0fzjxntrj.cloudfront.net/Pictures/270x180/0/7/0/37070_bach_fuga_artworkdigital_132645_crop.jpg)
Bach’s Fugue from Violin Sonata no.2… played on double bass!
Trailer: New Netflix documentary celebrates the NY Phil’s first full-time female musician
New video: Abel Selaocoe performs ‘calm and serene’ Bach
Jordan Bak plays the ‘Silver Leaf Fiddle’ by Andrew Carruthers
Lera Auerbach’s ‘T’filah’ performed by violinist Christine Bernsted
- Previous
- Next
Trade Secrets: A new approach to bracing flat-back instruments
This system of ‘responsive bracing’ allows for the natural movement of the wood
‘A perfect mind obsessed with understanding the quality of violins’: a tribute to George Stoppani
The Strad’s lutherie consultant Philip Ihle recalls the analytical methods of his friend and colleague, who died on 25 December 2024
Stars of Africa: South African tonewood
Wood physicist Martina Meincken presents the results of a study investigating whether indigenous woods of southern Africa might be suitable for use as tonewood for instruments
British luthier George Stoppani has died
An acknowledged expert in instrument acoustics, he was 75 years old
A unique poster: ‘Paderewski, Wendling’ violin – part two
Expert and conservator Balthazar Soulier has curated this month’s poster which, for the first time, features an ‘original composite’ violin: the ‘Paderewski, Wendling’, made by Montagnana and Guarneri ‘del Gesù’. Here he places this unique instrument in context and highlights complementary information to enable a better understanding of the poster ...
In Focus: A 1937 violin by Giuseppe Castagnino
Alberto Giordano examines a 20th-century violin by the Chiavari-based luthier
Trade Secrets: A new approach to bracing flat-back instruments
This system of ‘responsive bracing’ allows for the natural movement of the wood
‘A perfect mind obsessed with understanding the quality of violins’: a tribute to George Stoppani
The Strad’s lutherie consultant Philip Ihle recalls the analytical methods of his friend and colleague, who died on 25 December 2024
Stars of Africa: South African tonewood
Wood physicist Martina Meincken presents the results of a study investigating whether indigenous woods of southern Africa might be suitable for use as tonewood for instruments
British luthier George Stoppani has died
An acknowledged expert in instrument acoustics, he was 75 years old
A unique poster: ‘Paderewski, Wendling’ violin – part two
Expert and conservator Balthazar Soulier has curated this month’s poster which, for the first time, features an ‘original composite’ violin: the ‘Paderewski, Wendling’, made by Montagnana and Guarneri ‘del Gesù’. Here he places this unique instrument in context and highlights complementary information to enable a better understanding of the poster ...
In Focus: A 1937 violin by Giuseppe Castagnino
Alberto Giordano examines a 20th-century violin by the Chiavari-based luthier
Concert review: Belcea Quartet, Tabea Zimmermann (viola)
Tim Homfray visits London’s Wigmore Hall on 18 October 2024 for the performance of Mozart’s C minor String Quintet K406
Concert review: Isabelle Faust (violin) London Symphony Orchestra/Thomas Adès
Peter Quantrill reviews the performance of Ondřej Adámek at London’s Barbican Hall on 31 October 2024
Concert review: Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello) Sinfonia of London/John Wilson
Tim Homfray visits London’s Barbican Hall on 15 October 2024 for the performance of Shostakovich, Kenneth Hesketh and Rachmaninoff
Mischa Elman: Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi
A journey down memory lane in the company of a great violinist
Malion Quartet: Departure
A quartet to watch, as this inventive programme proves
Gabriel Schwabe: Beethoven
A Beethoven cycle concludes with aplomb
Book review: The Cellist’s Guide to Scales and Arpeggios: A Comprehensive, Systematic, Sequential Approach
Janet Banks reviews Robert Jesselson and Teddy Buchholz’s system for practising cello scales and arpeggios
Book review: The Fulton Collection: Collector’s Edition
John Dilworth reviews a revised and updated version of the 2022 publication, now with an extra volume covering David Fulton’s bow collection
Book review: Dragonscales: The Hero Levels: 25 Fantasy Etudes to Slay Evil
Alex Laing reviews the violin and viola versions of Nick Revel’s innovative etude series, combining practice studies with a fantasy adventure game
Debate
Opinion: AI vs live performance?
Even with the proliferation of technology such as generative AI in the music industry, violist Toby Deller believes there will always be a strong human need to experience live performance
Opinion: Solving issues with your students’ parents over coffee
When issues arise that aren’t easily solved during lesson time, cellist and teacher Naomi Yandell finds that taking a pupil’s parent or guardian out for a coffee and a chat on neutral territory can be time well spent
Debate
Opinion: AI vs live performance?
Even with the proliferation of technology such as generative AI in the music industry, violist Toby Deller believes there will always be a strong human need to experience live performance
Opinion: Solving issues with your students’ parents over coffee
When issues arise that aren’t easily solved during lesson time, cellist and teacher Naomi Yandell finds that taking a pupil’s parent or guardian out for a coffee and a chat on neutral territory can be time well spent
Accessories
Products January 2025: D’Addario Eclipse rechargeable cello and bass tuner
A new tuner in the company’s wide range
Products January 2025: Peter Infeld cello strings
The long-standing range now includes a cello set
Products January 2025: VoiceUp soundpost
A new carbon-fibre soundpost focused on adjustability
Concert review: Belcea Quartet, Tabea Zimmermann (viola)
Tim Homfray visits London’s Wigmore Hall on 18 October 2024 for the performance of Mozart’s C minor String Quintet K406
Concert review: Isabelle Faust (violin) London Symphony Orchestra/Thomas Adès
Peter Quantrill reviews the performance of Ondřej Adámek at London’s Barbican Hall on 31 October 2024
Concert review: Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello) Sinfonia of London/John Wilson
Tim Homfray visits London’s Barbican Hall on 15 October 2024 for the performance of Shostakovich, Kenneth Hesketh and Rachmaninoff
Book review: The Cellist’s Guide to Scales and Arpeggios: A Comprehensive, Systematic, Sequential Approach
Janet Banks reviews Robert Jesselson and Teddy Buchholz’s system for practising cello scales and arpeggios
Book review: The Fulton Collection: Collector’s Edition
John Dilworth reviews a revised and updated version of the 2022 publication, now with an extra volume covering David Fulton’s bow collection
Book review: Dragonscales: The Hero Levels: 25 Fantasy Etudes to Slay Evil
Alex Laing reviews the violin and viola versions of Nick Revel’s innovative etude series, combining practice studies with a fantasy adventure game
Mischa Elman: Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi
A journey down memory lane in the company of a great violinist
Malion Quartet: Departure
A quartet to watch, as this inventive programme proves
Gabriel Schwabe: Beethoven
A Beethoven cycle concludes with aplomb
Artists
Music for our time: violinist Paul Huang on his new album ‘Mirrors’
The violinist speaks to The Strad about a musical journey that he hopes inspires listeners to ponder the past, present and future
Violinist Ning Feng: Truth and substance
There is seemingly nothing the Chinese-born, Berlin‑based violinist Ning Feng can’t do, from dazzling Paganini interpretations to Bach to 20th‑century concertos. He talks to Michael White about his influences, his future plans and his desire to pass on his musical wisdom to the next generation
‘Not bad’ meant ‘Very, very good!’: what was Leonid Kogan like as a violin teacher?
The distinguished French violinist and quartet leader Isabelle Flory studied with Leonid Kogan at the Moscow Conservatoire for three years. She shares her memories of his teaching methods
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