The Canadian violinist received the instrument from the Nippon Music Foundation in Japan
Canadian violinist Timothy Chooi has received the 1714 ‘Dolphin’ Stradivari violin from the Nippon Music Foundation in Tokyo, Japan. The ‘Dolphin’ was for many years the principal performing instrument of Jascha Heifetz, and has more recently been played by Akiko Suwanai and Ray Chen among others.
The violin was named by the dealer George Hart, who likened its striking appearance and the rich varnish on the back to the brilliant and changing colours of the dolphin. After Heifetz, the violin was kept in the collection of Henry Hottinger. From 1970 it was kept by Cho-Ming Sin, a Hong Konger residing in England, and was purchased by the Nippon Music Foundation in February 2000. The foundation now owns 21 stringed instruments: 15 Stradivari violins, 1 viola, 3 cellos and 2 violins by Guarneri ‘del Gesù’.
‘It is with great honour and gratitude that I receive the loan,’ said Chooi. ‘I have seen many historical videos of Jascha Heifetz performing on this very violin, and his artistry has always been a source of inspiration to me. It is truly an honour to follow in his footsteps and those of so many other incredible musicians.’
Chooi’s awards include first prize at the Joseph Joachim International Violin Competition; second at the Queen Elisabeth International Competition; and the Yves Paternot Prize from the Verbier Festival. Earlier this September, he was recognised with the University of Ottawa’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research Award for his innovative work in reimagining the role of classical music in communities. He received the ‘Dolphin’ earlier this month following his recent performances in Japan and South Korea.
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