All Focus articles – Page 45
-
FocusA targeted approach to Ševčík will help you to overcome any problem in the repertoire
When using Ševčík cello studies, it pays to plan your practice carefully, says Tomáš Jamník, Artistic director of the Academy of Chamber Music and the Ševčík Academy, in Prague, Czech Republic
-
Focus‘There wasn’t any proof that our hard work would pay off. For a long time it didn’t’ – TwoSet Violin on their rise to fame
Violinists and comedy stars Brett Yang and Eddy Chen of TwoSet Violin speak to Kimon Daltas on the process of becoming YouTube sensations
-
FocusAlexander Sitkovetsky: Life Lessons
The Russian–British violinist on moving between artistic cultures and the future of collaborative music making
-
FocusNew UK artist management agency launched
String players including Francesca Dego (pictured), Henning Kraggerud and Laura van der Heijden will be represented by the new firm
-
Focus'The great challenge was to be comfortable improvising' – violinist Viktoria Mullova
For her latest recording, violinist Viktoria Mullova has collaborated with her son, jazz bassist Misha Mullov-Abbado in an eclectic array of duets. Harry White speaks to the pair about what they each found challenging about the project
-
FocusRemembering Helen Hagnes after 40 years
On 23 July 1980, the violinist Helen Hagnes was murdered in the Metropolitan Opera House. 40 years on, her former colleague Thomas Suárez remembers that night
-
Focus‘It was one of the best moments of my life’ – TwoSet Violin’s Brett Yang on meeting the maker of his instrument
Brett Yang, one half of YouTube comedy duo TwoSet Violin, recalls discovering that his violin was made by Renato Scrollavezza - and then meeting the luthier himself
-
FocusHow to make the most of cello scales
Approach scales with commitment, imagination and daring, and they will inspire your cello playing, argues Mats Lidström
-
Focus'The major asset required in finding the perfect bow is due diligence' – Benjamin Bowman
Violinist and Metropolitan Opera concertmaster Benjamin Bowman has spent his entire playing career in search of ever more subtle and responsive bows. Here, he charts the beginning of his journey to finding his ‘forever bow’
-
FocusViolinist Ida Haendel on Brahms's Violin Concerto
In a special tribute to Ida Haendel, we are republishing some archive content related to the late violinist. Here is she is, explaining why the Brahms concerto is such a demanding and an inspirational piece of music
-
FocusHarrogate International Festivals to put on virtual arts weekender
The HIF Weekender runs from 23-26 July
-
FocusWhat does it feel like to give an online chamber concert?
Rachel Atkinson, cellist of the Fidelio Quartet, shares her experience of playing with her chamber ensemble in the recently-created Melbourne Digital Concert Hall
-
FocusIda Haendel making her first appearance in The Strad in 1937
In a special tribute to Ida Haendel, we are re-publishing content related to the late violinist. Here, in our March 1937 issue, our correspondent predicts great things for a 14-year-old violinist who may have actually only been 9 at the time
-
FocusOpera is key to string playing
The British cellist Adrian Bradbury explains why string players should be open to learning from the operatic tradition
-
FocusJourney to change – towards a better understanding of ourselves
In the first of a four-part series, Gwendolyn Masin, concert violinist, author and educator, explains the importance of movement therapy for musicians
-
FocusDominik Wagner and Patricia Kopatchinskaja on writing their own cadenzas
Cadenza writing has enjoyed a renewed surge in popularity over recent years. In this article by Pauline Harding, two soloists - Dominik Wagner and Patricia Kopatchinskaja - talk about their individual approaches to writing cadenzas
-
FocusJennifer Pike: Life Lessons
Trust your gut, stick to your guns and enjoy what you’re doing, says the British violinist
-
FocusRemembering fine violin collector Robert Lewin
Robert (Bob) Lewin wrote The Strad market report for 50 years and was an eminent British collector of String instruments and bows. His nephew, Michael Lewin, remembers his uncle, and how his legacy helps thousands of young musicians around the UK today
-
FocusHow to put on a live concert in the time of Covid-19
Keith Stanfield, a violinist and former footballer, recently put on a live classical music performance - the first since the pandemic started in his home town of Kansas City. Here he shares his experience, as well as advice for putting on a live concert in compliance with social distancing regulations
-
FocusForecasting the future: Postcard from Sochi
The 13th Winter International Arts Festival in February presented no fewer than seven world premieres, a Beethoven sonata marathon and a double bass extravaganza, writes Peter Quantrill, who met artistic director Yuri Bashmet

























