The Strad’s editor Emma Baker introduces the June 2025 issue, which celebrates 50 years of the Australian Chamber Orchestra
The first time that I experienced the Australian Chamber Orchestra performing live, when I was a music student back in the 1990s, I was blown away by the band’s freshness, energy and presence; the way the musicians played standing up and the communication that seemed to flow between them like electricity. It’s hard to believe the ensemble is now celebrating its 50th anniversary. But this group is far from ready to settle into comfortable middle age, as its ever-energetic leader and artistic director of 35 years, Richard Tognetti, tells Michael White. He speaks about the group’s unique dynamic, and how the freedom of being geographically so far away from the European centre of classical tradition has been more of a blessing than a hindrance to the orchestra’s artistic development.
We mark another milestone this June – the 90th birthday of the influential Californian composer Terry Riley. David Kettle speaks to the great man himself, and some of the musicians who have championed his works, about his extensive body of music for strings.
It’s never been more challenging to create and sustain a career as a professional musician, which is why schemes supporting emerging artists continue to be so vital. One of these is the Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT), which is 40 this year. Jessica Duchen speaks to some of the musicians whose early careers have been facilitated by YCAT and other young artist schemes.
There are reasons why the design of violin-family instruments has endured for centuries, but they didn’t stop a veritable dragon’s den of inventors and manufacturers trying to improve it during the 18th and 19th centuries. Rachael Durkin explores some of the experimental designs that were patented at the time, such as stepped frets, keyed fingerboards and violins with glass plates inside. Also in lutherie this issue, Thomas and George Martin trace the history of the Rossi family, which dominated double bass making in Milan during the 19th century and made instruments for Giovanni Bottesini.
Emma Baker editor
Email me at thestrad@thestrad.com or tweet @TheStradMag
Issue summary
We celebrate 50 years of the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the 90th birthday of composer Terry Riley. There’s a look at 18th-century instrumental innovations, while Tanja Tetzlaff hands on her Life Lessons. Plus Baiba Skride’s Sentimental Work and our annual Accessories brochure.
Contents
AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA The Antipodean ensemble marks its 50th anniversary this year. Artistic director Richard Tognetti tells Michael White how the group thrives on being innovative
ROSSI FAMILY Despite being successful in its day, the Milanese double bass-making dynasty has been relatively overlooked. Thomas and George Martin investigate their stories
TERRY RILEY David Kettle speaks to the Minimalist pioneer, who celebrates his 90th birthday this month, plus string players who have premiered and recorded his works
YOUNG ARTIST SCHEMES UK string players talk to Jessica Duchen about how they have benefited from initiatives aimed at supporting them in the early stages of their careers
SESSION REPORT Double bassist Leon Bosch’s latest album comprises seven world premiere recordings of sonatinas by contemporary composers, as he tells Harry White
INSTRUMENT INNOVATIONS Rachael Durkin examines the explosion of new inventions in the 18th century designed to capitalise on the burgeoning appetite for music among the populace
IN FOCUS Jens Stenz examines an 1859 violin by the Danish luthier Gulbrand Enger
TRADE SECRETS Tips on bow rehairing
MY SPACE Bruno Stefanini of Bologna
MAKING MATTERS A project to put salvaged instruments into the hands of young players
MASTERCLASS Christian-Pierre La Marca discusses playing Schumann’s Fantasiestücke
TECHNIQUE Tips on intonation from British violist Bryony Gibson-Cornish
LIFE LESSONS With cellist Tanja Tetzlaff
OPINION Why orchestral players should take a measured approach to bow distribution
POSTCARD FROM SVALBARD A report from the 2025 Arctic Chamber Music Festival
AUCTION REPORT The latest from the London sales
FROM THE ARCHIVE An effusive review of a recital by 13-year-old Mischa Elman, from 1905
SENTIMENTAL WORK Baiba Skride reveals her love for Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto no.1
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