October

We talk to German violinist Antje Weithaas and examine why young Korean players are dominating competitions around the world. There’s a look at the violin in China and how Cremonese makers created their instrument patterns. Plus a Schumann Masterclass, and cellist Pablo Ferrández talks about his Sentimental Work.

October 2026 Cover

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From this month's magazine

October 2026: Editor’s welcome and contents

The Strad’s editor Emma Baker introduces the October issue, in which German violinist Antje Weithaas reflects on friendship, collaboration and taking up conducting

‘Love what you do’: Antje Weithaas

Violinist Antje Weithaas talks to Pauline Harding about her varied career in teaching, performance and, most recently, conducting, which is carrying her in new and exciting directions as she approaches her 60th birthday

The Strad Calendar 2027: Norway’s pride and joy

The Strad Calendar 2027 features eleven Stradivari instruments, all taken from the collection of the Anders Sveaas Charitable Foundation. Christian Lloyd examines the treasures

Postcard from Canada: Montreal International Music Competition

Rita Fernandes reports from the 2026 violin edition of the Montreal International Music Competition, which integrated new features while retaining its traditionally world-class level

Cover story

2026-05-08_KA_CMF_Andreas Malkmus_023_screen

‘Love what you do’: Antje Weithaas

Violinist Antje Weithaas talks to Pauline Harding about her varied career in teaching, performance and, most recently, conducting, which is carrying her in new and exciting directions as she approaches her 60th birthday

Playing

1) Concerto Marathon Project Cello at Sung-won Yang and 50 Years (2025. 5. 27)

A Korean wave: Korean string playing

South Korea has become a powerhouse of string playing, producing soloists, orchestral leaders and chamber musicians who are making their mark worldwide. Peter Somerford explores the educational and cultural forces behind that success

Lutherie

051_Strad2026_10 (1)-1

Ratios and rulers: instrument geometry

How did the old Italian makers measure out their instrument patterns? David Beard reveals evidence showing that they made use of both ratios and the standard measurements used at the time

Technique

Leo Copyright Jackie Rado

Technique: Creative fingering for violinists

Leo Phillips explores how players can experiment with different approaches to violin fingerings and hand frames

Masterclass

Patrick Yim portrait 2 (photo credit_ Sky Lip) (1)

Masterclass: Schumann Fairy-tale Pictures op.113, third and fourth movements

Patrick Yim explores two movements of juxtaposing characters that test a viola player’s versatility and technical skill

Trade Secrets

1

Trade Secrets: Making a custom cutter for a second-hole bushing

Adam Goltry introduces a specialised tool for bow makers to use when carrying out a tricky repair job