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Eastman School of Music announces two distinguished guest artists of double bass
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra violinist to retire after 65 years
Violinists among Royal Academy of Music 2026 honours
Manila Symphony Orchestra outlines travel ordeal as musicians forced to cradle instruments on Cebu Pacific flight
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![[defs use this] CelebrationByDAddario_388 pc Denny Medley Random Photography](https://dnan0fzjxntrj.cloudfront.net/Pictures/274x183/5/0/9/43509_defsusethiscelebrationbydaddario_388pcdennymedleyrandomphotography_776141_crop.jpg)
‘I was terrified of the blank page’: Andrew Yee on becoming a composer
The Attacca Quartet cellist discusses or, The Whale, her new album with Caroline Shaw, and composing through the instincts of a performer.
July 2026: Editor’s welcome and contents
The Strad’s editor Emma Baker introduces the July issue, in which we delve into the dramatic rediscovery of the 1742 ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin
What cello did Pierre Fournier play?
Take a look at the 1722 Matteo Gofriller cello, described by Valentin Erben as having ’infinite intensity and depth of tonal spectrum’
Playing Hub
Yo‑Yo Ma joins Kakuma refugee collective Exile Key for ‘Yelele Mama’
The cellist visited the the Kakuma Refugee Camp in northwestern Kenya, resulting in a collaboration released in honour of World Refugee Day
Father, son and Brahms: a family dialogue in sound
Violinist Mark Kaplan and pianist David Kaplan reflect on how a lifetime of shared listening – as father and son, and as equal musical partners – shapes their approach to Brahms’s sonatas, where trust, intuition and discovery take precedence over hierarchy
Why I recorded Bach’s Cello Suites on viola: Marc Sabbah
The violist shares the role Bach’s music has played in his life, and how this led to the monumental task of recording these cherished works
François Rabbath at 95: a legacy of freedom
To mark the 95th birthday of the great double bassist François Rabbath, Naomi Yandell hears from some of his former students about what they have learnt from the distinguished musician, and how they continue to be influenced by his approach
Günter Pichler: 1940–2026
The first violinist of the Alban Berg Quartet was also a sought-after conductor and pedagogue. Tully Potter looks back at his life and legacy
![[defs use this] CelebrationByDAddario_388 pc Denny Medley Random Photography](https://dnan0fzjxntrj.cloudfront.net/Pictures/100x67/5/0/9/43509_defsusethiscelebrationbydaddario_388pcdennymedleyrandomphotography_776141_crop.jpg)
Postcard from San Francisco: ASTA 2026 national conference
The 2026 American String Teachers Association National Conference was a bustling and inspiring event packed full of talks and performances, as Rita Fernandes and Davina Shum discovered
Premium ❘ Feature
François Rabbath at 95: a legacy of freedom
To mark the 95th birthday of the great double bassist François Rabbath, Naomi Yandell hears from some of his former students about what they have learnt from the distinguished musician, and how they continue to be influenced by his approach
Premium ❘ Feature
Günter Pichler: 1940–2026
The first violinist of the Alban Berg Quartet was also a sought-after conductor and pedagogue. Tully Potter looks back at his life and legacy
Premium ❘ Feature
François Rabbath at 95: a legacy of freedom
To mark the 95th birthday of the great double bassist François Rabbath, Naomi Yandell hears from some of his former students about what they have learnt from the distinguished musician, and how they continue to be influenced by his approach
Premium ❘ Focus
‘Chamber music is a microcosm of life’ - Paul Huang’s life lessons
The Taiwanese–American violinist on his formative influences and the importance of chamber music
Premium ❘ Focus
Auction Report June 2026: Room for optimism
Kevin MacDonald discovers a plethora of ‘golden age’ instruments and a fine selection of bows at this season’s London sales
Competitions
Cello and violin contestants announced for 2026 George Enescu International Competition
The competition takes place in Bucharest, Romania, from 29 August to 19 September 2026
Winners announced for the 2026 Leonid Kogan International Competition
Prizes were awarded over four age categories at the 10th edition of the competition, held from 9 to 13 June 2026
Cello winners announced for the 2026 Khachaturian International Competition
24-year-old German cellist Cosima Regina Federle wins $10,000
Premium ❘ News
Premiere of the Month: Jeffrey Scott’s new work for the Poiesis Quartet
A new string quartet honours icons from LGBTQ+ history
Premium ❘ News
Competitions, Awards and Appointments: July 2026
The latest competition results, appointments and forthcoming contests
Masterclass: Chausson Poème for Violin and Orchestra op.25
Understanding the harmonic framework is key to making sense of Chausson’s fluid, freely structured Poème, says violinist Maria Włoszczowska
Masterclass: Schubert Piano Trio no.2 in E flat major, first movement
David and Edgar Moreau dive into Schubert’s sound world, exploring colour, balance and the expressive detail that shapes their interpretation of this late work
Masterclass: Chausson Poème for Violin and Orchestra op.25
Understanding the harmonic framework is key to making sense of Chausson’s fluid, freely structured Poème, says violinist Maria Włoszczowska
Masterclass: Schubert Piano Trio no.2 in E flat major, first movement
David and Edgar Moreau dive into Schubert’s sound world, exploring colour, balance and the expressive detail that shapes their interpretation of this late work
Masterclass: Bruch Violin Concerto no.1, second movement
Bella Hristova outlines the importance of pacing oneself and creating a hierarchy of intensity in this popular slow movement
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
Cello and violin contestants announced for 2026 George Enescu International Competition
The competition takes place in Bucharest, Romania, from 29 August to 19 September 2026
Winners announced for the 2026 Leonid Kogan International Competition
Prizes were awarded over four age categories at the 10th edition of the competition, held from 9 to 13 June 2026
Cello winners announced for the 2026 Khachaturian International Competition
24-year-old German cellist Cosima Regina Federle wins $10,000
Combining virtuosity with opera: violinist Hannah Cho honours Vienna with Carmen Fantasie Brillante
Violinist Hannah Cho presents a music video of Hubay’s Carmen Fantasie Brillante filmed in Vienna’s Palais Ehrbar, exploring the theatrical side of the repertoire
Combining virtuosity with opera: violinist Hannah Cho honours Vienna with Carmen Fantasie Brillante
Yo‑Yo Ma joins Kakuma refugee collective Exile Key for ‘Yelele Mama’
Teaser trailer drops for Singaporean animated film ‘The Violinist’
From prison to performance: new film spotlights violinist Christian Howes’s artistic transformation
A violinist and three cellists walk into a studio: Emerald Strings rethinks ‘Bolero’
After hours at Guildhall Art Gallery: Vilde Frang and Lawrence Power perform ‘Capricci’
Merging cello and voice: Nicolas Altstaedt and Anna-Lena Elbert perform ‘Ophelia’s Song’ by Shostakovich
Watch: a video performance from Timothy Ridout’s new album, Alto Appassionato
Woven from Light: a listening guide to a world premiere work for violin and cello
Happy birthday Florence Price! Mount Vernon Virtuosi CelloGang performs String Quartet in G major
- Previous
- Next
A 1908 viola by luthier Władysław Baczyński (1866–1935)
In the first of two articles marking the 160th anniversary of the Polish luthier’s birth on 25 June 1866, Grzegorz Kaproń gives a brief overview of his life while Henry Riedstra examines a typical viola by the maker
Out of the dark: the 1742 ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin
The ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin of 1742 was once believed lost – and its rediscovery in 2002 was a heart-pounding moment for the experts. Frédéric Chaudière recalls the compelling story of the instrument’s authentication
Making Matters: Examining a rare James Dodd II bow
Philip Kass looks at a rare 1839 bow that exhibits all the hallmarks and idiosyncrasies of its maker, James Dodd II
In Focus: A 1718 violin by Francesco Gobetti
Michel Samson on the Italian maker’s late-period instrument
Big is beautiful: violoncello da spalla
After decades of relative neglect, the violoncello da spalla is undergoing a resurgence of interest. Daniela Gaidano, who has made several examples, looks into its history and explains its appeal for both players and makers
My Space: S.K. Lim’s Singapore workshop
The luthier presents his central workshop
A 1908 viola by luthier Władysław Baczyński (1866–1935)
In the first of two articles marking the 160th anniversary of the Polish luthier’s birth on 25 June 1866, Grzegorz Kaproń gives a brief overview of his life while Henry Riedstra examines a typical viola by the maker
Out of the dark: the 1742 ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin
The ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin of 1742 was once believed lost – and its rediscovery in 2002 was a heart-pounding moment for the experts. Frédéric Chaudière recalls the compelling story of the instrument’s authentication
Making Matters: Examining a rare James Dodd II bow
Philip Kass looks at a rare 1839 bow that exhibits all the hallmarks and idiosyncrasies of its maker, James Dodd II
In Focus: A 1718 violin by Francesco Gobetti
Michel Samson on the Italian maker’s late-period instrument
Big is beautiful: violoncello da spalla
After decades of relative neglect, the violoncello da spalla is undergoing a resurgence of interest. Daniela Gaidano, who has made several examples, looks into its history and explains its appeal for both players and makers
My Space: S.K. Lim’s Singapore workshop
The luthier presents his central workshop
Concert review: Karen Gomyo (violin) New York Philharmonic/Domingo Hindoyan
Leah Hollingsworth attends the performance of Allison Loggins-Hull, Sibelius, Piazzolla and Dvořák at New York’s David Geffen Hall on 15, 16 and 18 April 2026
Concert review: Danish Quartet, Danish National Girls’ Choir
Leah Hollingsworth listens to a recital of Caroline Shaw, Lotta Wennäkoski, Schubert, Astrid Sonne and David Lang at Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall, New York on 17 April 2026
Concert review: Ébène Quartet
Bruce Hodges travels to the Perelman Theater, Philadelphia, PA, US, on 9 April 2026 for the performance of Ravel, Beethoven and Brahms
Busch Trio: Beethoven
A Beethoven series continues with assurance and insight
Florian Deuter, Mónica Waisman: Biber
Breathtaking imagination brings Baroque masterpieces to life
Karni Trio: Tribute
A rare trio formation is a delightful family affair
Book review: Instrumental Music Education: Developing pedagogies as instrumental teachers
Philippa Bunting reads an empathetic, supportive volume on music education, edited by the head of York University’s music education MA course
Book review: Myra Hess: National Treasure
Anne Inglis reads Jessica Duchen’s biography of the British pianist, a leading figure in the London music scene during the war years who counted several string players as friends
Book review: A Childhood in Fragments: A Memoir
Lauren Wesley-Smith reads Gidon Kremer’s autobiography, first published in 1993 and now translated into English for the first time
Debate
Opinion: Period instruments aren’t just specialist tools
Benjamin Shute questions our assumptions about contemporary instrument set‑up and the idea that period instruments are merely specialist equipment
Opinion: Finding creativity in scales
Love them or hate them, scales are at the heart of string training. Violinist and teacher Mark Knight examines why, when approached correctly, they are the gateway to a world of expressive freedom
Debate
Opinion: Period instruments aren’t just specialist tools
Benjamin Shute questions our assumptions about contemporary instrument set‑up and the idea that period instruments are merely specialist equipment
Accessories
Products July 2026: Modacity practice app
A new app that acts as a practice companion for musicians
Products July 2026: Fiedler Sonowood double bass endpin
The endpin mirrors the properties of ebony
Products July 2026: BAM Bonbon case for ¾- and half-sized violins
The company has released a smaller version of its colourful range
Concert review: Karen Gomyo (violin) New York Philharmonic/Domingo Hindoyan
Leah Hollingsworth attends the performance of Allison Loggins-Hull, Sibelius, Piazzolla and Dvořák at New York’s David Geffen Hall on 15, 16 and 18 April 2026
Concert review: Danish Quartet, Danish National Girls’ Choir
Leah Hollingsworth listens to a recital of Caroline Shaw, Lotta Wennäkoski, Schubert, Astrid Sonne and David Lang at Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall, New York on 17 April 2026
Concert review: Ébène Quartet
Bruce Hodges travels to the Perelman Theater, Philadelphia, PA, US, on 9 April 2026 for the performance of Ravel, Beethoven and Brahms
Book review: Instrumental Music Education: Developing pedagogies as instrumental teachers
Philippa Bunting reads an empathetic, supportive volume on music education, edited by the head of York University’s music education MA course
Book review: Myra Hess: National Treasure
Anne Inglis reads Jessica Duchen’s biography of the British pianist, a leading figure in the London music scene during the war years who counted several string players as friends
Book review: A Childhood in Fragments: A Memoir
Lauren Wesley-Smith reads Gidon Kremer’s autobiography, first published in 1993 and now translated into English for the first time
Busch Trio: Beethoven
A Beethoven series continues with assurance and insight
Florian Deuter, Mónica Waisman: Biber
Breathtaking imagination brings Baroque masterpieces to life
Karni Trio: Tribute
A rare trio formation is a delightful family affair
Artists
Christian Tetzlaff: ‘Following the score is freedom’
German violinist Christian Tetzlaff has built a career defined by artistic independence. As he celebrates his 60th birthday, he speaks to Richard Bratby about the values that have shaped his musical life
Yehudi Menuhin 110th anniversary: music with friends
To mark the 110th anniversary of Yehudi Menuhin’s birth on 22 April 1916, Tully Potter presents an overview of the great violinist’s numerous chamber music partnerships and their recordings
‘Never just the notes’: the musical and teaching legacy of Igor Ozim
The violinist and pedagogue Igor Ozim died on 23 March 2024. Two years on, Dijana Ihas writes about his legacy to commemorate a teacher whose seven‑decade career shaped generations of musicians through his analytical clarity, uncompromising discipline and deep commitment to musical expression
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