All Focus articles – Page 3
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Focus
Double Acts: Andrew Fairfax and Anneleen Fairfax-van der Grinten
Husband-and-wife violin makers and restorers Andrew Fairfax and Anneleen Fairfax-van der Grinten talk about their different professional strengths and their shared love of books, wine and Italy
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Practice Diary: cellist Hannah Roberts
The British cellist chooses her warm-up keys carefully before tackling the trickiest passages of Dvořák’s Concerto – leaving the best bits till last
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The Strad Calendar 2024: 1737 ‘Panette’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin
For years the main instrument used by Isaac Stern, it is now in the hands of Renaud Capuçon.
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My experience: violinist Edith Cnockaert, Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel
Studying at this conservatorium fulfils a lifelong dream and provides a warm, supportive atmosphere, shares the violinist
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Double Acts: Annette and Steven Isserlis
They may tease each other terribly, but siblings Annette and Steven Isserlis still get a kick out of being on stage together
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The Strad Podcast #103: adult learner mindset with violinist Rachael Ridge
Embracing gradual growth and progress, curiosity and a willingness to make mistakes is crucial for adults learning a musical instrument, says the violinist
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The Strad Calendar 2024: 1739 ‘Beatrice Harrison’ Pietro Guarneri of Venice cello
One of only five or six cellos made by the luthier, it was the British cellist’s principal performing instrument for many years
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My experience: violinist Alyssa Barker, Berklee College of Music
The violinist shares how the school has given her numerous opportunites to perform in a wide range of styles
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Double Acts: Brandon Vamos and Simin Ganatra
Brandon Vamos, cellist of the Pacifica Quartet, and Simin Ganatra, its first violinist, discuss the benefits of performing and teaching as husband and wife
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The Strad Podcast #102: teaching students to teach themselves with cellist Laurence Lesser
In celebration of his 85th birthday and 50 years at the New England Conservatory, Laurence speaks about his teaching approaches, including valuable ’a-ha’ moments from throughout his career
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The Strad Calendar 2024: c.1580 Gasparo da Salò viola
One of the very few violas by the Brescian luthier that has never been cut down
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My experience: violinist Kristian Mráček, Prague Conservatoire
What’s it like to study in the cultural heart of the Czech Republic?
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The Strad Podcast #101: inside the Zemtsov viola dynasty with Dana and Mikhail Zemtsov
What’s it like being in a family where everyone plays the viola? The father and daughter duo share all
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The Strad Calendar 2024: 1737 ‘King Joseph’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin
Once considered the crowning achievement of Guarneri’s career, this instrument has pristine golden-orange varnish
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Double Acts: Itzhak and Toby Perlman
From our July 2014 issue, husband-and-wife team Itzhak and Toby Perlman spoke about the beginnings of the Perlman Music Program, in light of its 20th anniversary.
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The Strad Podcast #100: Cheng² Duo on new works for cello and piano
Our 100th episode features a chat about celebrating cultural heritage, sibling collaboration, as well as how to emulate the sound of a horse on a cello
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The Strad Calendar 2024: 1740 ‘Fritz Kreisler’ Carlo Bergonzi violin
One of the finest existing examples of Bergonzi’s work, the instrument still retains its original neck
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Joseph Conyers’s instrument: a bass called Norma
Our November issue cover star shares details about his instrument, an 1802 Vincenzo Panormo double bass
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Double Acts: Violinist James Ehnes and David Fulton
Violinist James Ehnes and instrument collector David Fulton unite in a love fast cars as well as great instruments
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The Strad Podcast #99: how to lead a string section with violist Daniel Foster
Principal violist of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington DC since 1995, Daniel shares his experiences leading a section, as well as advice to those in their first principal roles