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Can you imagine playing Kreisler’s violin? If you’re Francisco Fullana, you don’t have to imagine. He is lucky enough to get to play the 1735 Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ ‘Mary Portman, ex-Kreisler’ violin, thanks to Clement and Karen Arrison through the Stradivari Society of Chicago.

He joins online editor Davina Shum in this episode to ‘nerd out’ on fine violins, speaking about the relationship he has cultivated with this violin over six years of playing and exploring the instrument.

Francisco also shares how the violin contributed specifically to his new album Spanish Light, which comprises works by Spanish composers, including Turina, Sarasate, Granados and more.

Spanish Light is out on Orchid Classics on 21 July 2023

Romanza andaluza - Pablo de Sarasate

Francisco Fullana, violin / Alba Ventura, piano

Spanish Light

Orchid Classics ORC100250

Photo credit: Miguel Arranz

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This year’s calendar celebrates the top instruments played by members of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony, Australian String Quartet and some of the country’s greatest soloists.