The December issue of The Strad is on sale now, featuring South Korean violinist Kyung Wha Chung on her teachers, her instruments and her advice for the next generation of violinists.

We also examine a 1767 violin by José Contreras, the Granada-born 'Spanish Stradivarius', and provide a free poster of the instrument for subscribers; celebrate veteran Moscow Conservatoire string teacher Maya Glezarova, a key figure in the Russian school, who turns 90 this month; and mark the centenary of Andrzej Panufnik's birth with an exploration of the Polish composer's string music.

In our regular sections: In Focus gives a close-up view of a 1675 violin by Francesco Rugeri; Janet Starck-Toon discusses her method for replacing missing ivory in Trade Secrets; Swedish maker Stefan Lindholm invites us into his workshop in My Space; Graham Oppenheimer guides us through the viola part of Dvorák’s Piano Quintet no.2 in Masterclass; Simon Fischer discusses the right hand in Basics; former London and New York philharmonic concertmaster Rodney Frienddiscusses the importance of rhythm, sound and the natural shape of the hand in Ask the Teacher; LSO principal cellist Tim Hugh takes us through his Practice Diary; and three luthiers advise on how to correct bridge angle in Ask the Experts.

We also bring you news of the latest competitions, products and auctions, and comprehensive reviews of concerts, CDs and books.