The Canadian organisation loans fine instruments and bows to musicians every three years

Emily_Strad

Canada Council for the Arts is calling on talented Canadian violinists and cellists, who are pursuing an international career, to apply for a three-year loan from its Musical Instrument Bank. The MIB has over 20 fine instruments and bows, loaned to the organisation since its creation in 1985 and worth over $41m. These range in age from the late 1600s to the early 1900s, and were crafted by such luthiers as Stradivarius, Guarneri del Gesù, Gagliano and Pressenda.

Applications are accepted every three years and the winners chosen by a jury of professional musicians and peers.

The closing date for submissions is 1 April 2015. Visit the Canada Council website to apply and read about the instruments at the Musical Instrument Bank website.

Photo: 2012 Musical Instrument Bank recipient Emily Westell playing the Stradivarius 'Windsor-Weinstein' violin, 1717, valued at $5m

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