The Strad’s editor Emma Baker introduces the December 2026 issue that features the 1744 ‘Sainton’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin, an instrument recently scanned using synchrotron microtomography
Featured on the cover this issue is the ‘Sainton’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin, made by the master luthier around 1744, right at the end of his life. It has recently been scanned using synchrotron microtomography; expert and conservator Balthazar Soulier and scientist Paul Tafforeau reveal what these have uncovered. We also speak to the violin’s current custodian, the German soloist Arabella Steinbacher, about what it is like to play this stunning instrument.
The great Catalan cellist Pablo Casals was born 150 years ago on 29 December. To mark the anniversary of this towering musical figure’s birth, Oskar Falta speaks to four prominent cellists whose lives and careers have been shaped by Casals’ legacy, whether through family, teachers or personal connections.
Another anniversary falls this month – fifty years since the death of Benjamin Britten. It is sobering to realise he was only 63 when he died, and although he left us so much rich and distinctive music, one can only wonder what more there might have been, had he lived another ten or twenty years. Hattie Butterworth takes a closer look at Britten’s music for strings – from the Simple Symphony to the cello suites to the string quartets – a body of work that spanned his entire creative life and was often inspired by the leading players of the time.
As is fitting for the final issue of 2026 we also look ahead, profiling a fresh young talent who has emerged in recent years: the US–New Zealand violinist Geneva Lewis. She speaks to Charlotte Gardner about her career so far, building on early success and the exciting new projects and commissions that she has in store in 2027.
Emma Baker editor
Email me at thestrad@thestrad.com
Issue summary
We examine the c.1744 ‘Sainton’ violin by Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ and talk to US–New Zealand violinist Geneva Lewis about her burgeoning career. There’s a look at Benjamin Britten’s works for strings and leading cellists discuss Pablo Casals’ legacy to their craft. Plus interviews with violinist Tai Murray, cellist Astrig Siranossian and bassist Joel Quarrington.
Contents
‘SAINTON’ GUARNERI ‘DEL GESÙ’ VIOLIN c.1744 Balthazar Soulier and Paul Tafforeau use synchrotron microtomography to examine the instrument, made at the tail end of the master luthier’s career
GENEVA LEWIS The New Zealand violinist discusses her formative influences, tutors and her debut album of US music, in conversation with Charlotte Gardner
BRITTEN’S MUSIC FOR STRINGS Hattie Butterworth talks to leading players of the British composer’s string music to examine his legacy and reputation 50 years after his death
ROMAN SHMIGELSKY Now 87 years old, the Ukrainian luthier and teacher has been at the heart of violin making in his country for many decades. Oleh Kiosiev tells his story
SESSION REPORT Richard Boothby, founder of viol consort Fretwork, speaks to Mark Seow about the group’s album of newly discovered works by Carl Friedrich Abel
CASALS 150 Four of today’s top cellists speak to Oskar Falta about the legacy of the Catalan virtuoso, from his championing of the Bach Suites to his time in Puerto Rico
IN FOCUS An 1822 violin by Nestor Audinot
TRADE SECRETS Tadeusz Slodyczka’s method for repairing a soundpost crack
MY SPACE Oleg Semenukha of Kladno, Czechia
MAKING MATTERS Giving a new instrument a story can be creative and commercially beneficial
MASTERCLASS Astrig Siranossian gives her thoughts on playing Elgar’s Chanson de Matin
TECHNIQUE Catherine Rimer on making the transition from modern to historical cello
LIFE LESSONS The memories and opinions of Canadian double bassist Joel Quarrington
OPINION Competitions leave a significant amount of educational potential unrealised
POSTCARD FROM BUCHAREST Report from the George Enescu International Competition
FROM THE ARCHIVE From December 1926
SENTIMENTAL WORK Tai Murray discusses her love for Bartók’s Sonata for solo violin
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