Playing
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Premium ❘ Feature'If you play without mistake I will make you a present' - From the Archive: August 1905
A reminiscence (possibly apocryphal) of the renowned Scottish fiddler Niel Gow (1727–1807), composer of more than 80 dance tunes
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Premium ❘ FeatureColeridge-Taylor 150: ‘A message of hope and resilience’
August 2025 marks 150 years since the birth of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, the British composer and violinist. Bruce Hodges speaks to five leading violinists about what his music means to them
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Premium ❘ FocusPostcard from France: Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition
At the 2025 edition of the triennial Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition, Charlotte Gardner was delighted to hear a dazzlingly high standard of music making
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Premium ❘ FeatureAbel Selaocoe: I am because we are
South African cellist, singer and composer Abel Selaocoe speaks to Lauren Wesley-Smith about opening up classical spaces, finding his musical identity, and his most recent album – as well as sharing a few pearls of wisdom
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Premium ❘ Focus‘People sense when you are genuinely passionate about something’ - Stephen Upshaw’s life lessons
The Solem Quartet violist on the life of a chamber musician and how to create your own professional path
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Premium ❘ FeatureSofia Gubaidulina: a musical offering
Gavin Dixon examines the spiritual, visionary string works of the Russian–Tatar composer Sofia Gubaidulina, who died earlier this year
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Premium ❘ FeatureStaying power: US String Quartets
As Brooklyn Rider and the Jack and the Miró quartets mark milestone anniversaries, Thomas May looks at how these contemporary American ensembles are not just surviving, but reshaping the 21st-century musical landscape
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Premium ❘ FocusSentimental Work: Ayanna Witter-Johnson on Debussy’s Cello Sonata
Discovering the myriad colours and layers of Debussy’s Cello Sonata was an eye-opening experience for the British cellist, pianist, vocalist and composer
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Premium ❘ FeatureSession Report: Nancy Zhou on her debut album for solo violin
Violinist Nancy Zhou speaks to Charlotte Gardner about her debut album, which is inspired by stories of personal and musical relationships, and showcases the versatility of the violin as a solo instrument
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Premium ❘ FocusOpinion: The future of lutherie after the Newark School’s course cancellations
News came in May that the Newark School of Violin Making is withdrawing its degree-level courses. Helen Michetschläger, who trained at the school, says what this might mean for the future of lutherie worldwide
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Premium ❘ ArticleAnalysis July 2025: The effects of Leicester Square’s ban on buskers
Now that buskers have been banned in London’s Leicester Square, how does the future of street entertainment look for those who depend on it for their livelihood? By Peter Somerford
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Premium ❘ FeatureAdam Summerhayes: Music shaped by instinct
Adam Summerhayes is a violinist and composer who combines his flair for improvisation and a love of folk music with a classical training and technique. He speaks to Alexandra Petropoulos about his latest projects and his very special instruments
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Premium ❘ FocusPostcard from Newark: Newark School Lutherie Day
Students, amateurs and professional makers all came together at this year’s Lutherie Day for talks on anything violin-related. Christian Lloyd went along
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Premium ❘ Focus‘We could all do with being a little less vain’: Tanja Tetzlaff’s life lessons
The German cellist on her biggest influences and the importance of humility
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Premium ❘ FeatureTerry Riley: Ninety journeys around the sun
The trailblazing Californian composer Terry Riley celebrates his 90th birthday this month. David Kettle speaks with him and with some of the musicians who have championed his eclectic, improvisatory music for strings
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Premium ❘ Feature‘Elman was the finest violinist in the world’ - From the Archive: June 1905
A 13-year-old Mischa Elman and 11-year-old Vivien Chartres (not 9, as stated in the text) astonish The Strad’s reviewer ‘Gamba’ with their technical prowess
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Premium ❘ FocusSentimental Work: Baiba Skride on Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto no.1
The Latvian violinist grew up with Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto no.1, a work that allows a lot of freedom of expression – as her two recordings amply demonstrate
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Premium ❘ FocusOpinion: Intelligent approaches to the bow in orchestral playing
The default for many orchestral string players is to use as much bow as possible to achieve maximum projection. Violinist Alexandra Gorski argues that a more thoughtful approach is necessary
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Premium ❘ FeatureSession Report: Leon Bosch on recording his album ‘The British Double Bass Sonatina’
Leon Bosch tells Harry White about his new album of double bass sonatinas – seven brand new works that he commissioned from a circle of contemporary British composers
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Premium ❘ FeatureFlying the flag for young talent: young artists’ schemes
As the Young Classical Artists Trust celebrates its 40th anniversary, Jessica Duchen hears from artists whose careers have been supported by this and other schemes for emerging talent
