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Concert review: Opening night at Boulez Saal in Berlin with Christian Tetzlaff (violin) and Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)
Violinist Timothy Chooi receives University of Ottawa’s EDI Research Award
What musicians can learn from Stanislavski’s method acting: violinist SongHa Choi
Truth in sound: five lessons for the chamber musician’s journey
Truth in sound: five lessons for the chamber musician’s journey
Two violinists join Boston Conservatory at Berklee faculty
Sarasota Orchestra mourns long-standing double bassist
TwoSet Violin resumes world tour plans, after Brett Yang granted US visa
North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra appoints new concertmaster
Utah violinist detained by ICE is released
Violinist John Shin spent 17 days in a detention facility in Colorado
Tributes flow following death of 15-year-old violinist
Mount Pisgah Christian School mourns Grace Choi, who made her Carnegie Hall debut two months ago, following a family tragedy
Munich violist’s entire instrument collection stolen from his apartment
Norbert Merkl’s collection, comprising one viola, two violins and 61 bows, were stolen on the morning of 18 August 2025 while he and his family were overseas on holiday
Playing Hub
Sigurgeir Agnarsson: a new album celebrating the close ties of Icelandic musicians
The cellist speaks about his solo recording NÁND, which features solo cello compositions by Icelandic uncle and nephew composers Hafliði Hallgrímsson and Hugi Guðmundsson
‘The cello has been my one constant’: how the cello underpins Zara Hudson-Kozdoj’s whole life
The cellist shares how her classical training combined with myriad musical styles culminate in her debut album, ‘Remember Who You Are’, a reflection of the cello representing a singular, continuous voice
Alisa Weilerstein: fragments of the future
The US cellist Alisa Weilerstein talks to Peter Quantrill about reinventing the solo recital for a multimedia age, and working with living composers to renew the concerto repertoire
The Carnatic violin: a voice of fluid grace
Brought to India in the late 18th century, the violin now plays a central role in South Indian classical music. Nikhil Bhambri presents an introduction to its use in Carnatic concerts, and hears from some of its leading exponents
Postcard from Japan: Sendai International Music Competition
Rita Fernandes encountered exceptional performances but unexpected results at the ninth Sendai International Music Competition
Homeward bound: Karisa Chiu’s debut album explores memory and belonging
On her debut album, Home, Chicago-based violinist Karisa Chiu collaborates with pianist Zhu Wang to explore works by Sibelius, Debussy, Fauré, Cyril Scott and Augusta Read Thomas, reflecting on identity and the meaning of home.
Premium ❘ Feature
Alisa Weilerstein: fragments of the future
The US cellist Alisa Weilerstein talks to Peter Quantrill about reinventing the solo recital for a multimedia age, and working with living composers to renew the concerto repertoire
Premium ❘ Feature
The Carnatic violin: a voice of fluid grace
Brought to India in the late 18th century, the violin now plays a central role in South Indian classical music. Nikhil Bhambri presents an introduction to its use in Carnatic concerts, and hears from some of its leading exponents
Premium ❘ Feature
Alisa Weilerstein: fragments of the future
The US cellist Alisa Weilerstein talks to Peter Quantrill about reinventing the solo recital for a multimedia age, and working with living composers to renew the concerto repertoire
Premium ❘ Focus
Opinion: The dangers of perfectionism
In striving to become the best player or educator you can be, it’s important not to fall into the trap of unhelpful perfectionism, say violinists and teachers Claire Allen and Christine Goodner
Premium ❘ Focus
Sentimental Work: Thomas Demenga on Haydn’s Cello Concerto no.2 in D major
For the Swiss cellist, studying the original score of Haydn’s Cello Concerto no.2 in D major was the key to understanding the composer’s intentions
Competitions
Viola semi-finalists announced for 2025 Concours de Genève
Eight violists will perform in the live semi-final rounds from 6 to 9 November
Winners announced for the 2025 Budapest International Cello Competition
German cellist Arne Zeller, 19, receives the first prize of €18,000
Finalists announced at the Budapest International Cello Competition
The three cellists, all from Germany, are competing for the €18,000 first prize
Premium ❘ News
Competitions, Awards and Appointments: October 2025
The latest competition results, appointments and forthcoming contests
Premium ❘ News
Premiere of the Month: Matthew Kaner’s new solo work for Guy Johnston
A new solo cello work demands an unusual scordatura
Masterclass: Ysaÿe’s Rêve d’enfant op.14 for violin and piano
Violinist Nancy Zhou demonstrates the breadth of Ysaÿe’s expressive devices in an intimate piece dedicated to his son
Masterclass: Beethoven Violin Sonata No.9 ‘Kreutzer’, first movement
Capturing the music’s sense of tumultuous energy is key to portraying Beethoven’s unpredictable character in this movement, says violinist Kristin Lee
Masterclass: Ysaÿe’s Rêve d’enfant op.14 for violin and piano
Violinist Nancy Zhou demonstrates the breadth of Ysaÿe’s expressive devices in an intimate piece dedicated to his son
Masterclass: Beethoven Violin Sonata No.9 ‘Kreutzer’, first movement
Capturing the music’s sense of tumultuous energy is key to portraying Beethoven’s unpredictable character in this movement, says violinist Kristin Lee
Masterclass: Dvořák String Quartet no.12 ‘American’, second movement
Cellist of the Dover Quartet Camden Shaw illustrates the importance of sound exploration in this bittersweet movement that can be seen as a metaphor for life and its many tribulations
The Strad Podcast: How to tailor the Suzuki Method to different students with violinist Meghan Faw
The violinist shares her personal experiences with the method as both a student and a teacher
The Strad Podcast: How to hold a masterclass with violinist Paul Huang
The violinist speaks about his teaching approaches in a unique learning experience, in the third part of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to teach collaborative skills with violinist Annie Fullard of the Cavani Quartet
‘We should live in a chamber music world’ - the violinist speaks about the importance of collaboration inside and outside of the practice room, in the second episode of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to practise effectively with violinist Ray Chen
The first in our new four-part education themed podcast series features our September 2024 cover star
The Strad Podcast: How to tailor the Suzuki Method to different students with violinist Meghan Faw
The violinist shares her personal experiences with the method as both a student and a teacher
The Strad Podcast: How to hold a masterclass with violinist Paul Huang
The violinist speaks about his teaching approaches in a unique learning experience, in the third part of our four-part education-themed podcast series
The Strad Podcast: How to teach collaborative skills with violinist Annie Fullard of the Cavani Quartet
‘We should live in a chamber music world’ - the violinist speaks about the importance of collaboration inside and outside of the practice room, in the second episode of our four-part education-themed podcast series
Competitions
Viola semi-finalists announced for 2025 Concours de Genève
Eight violists will perform in the live semi-final rounds from 6 to 9 November
Winners announced for the 2025 Budapest International Cello Competition
German cellist Arne Zeller, 19, receives the first prize of €18,000
Finalists announced at the Budapest International Cello Competition
The three cellists, all from Germany, are competing for the €18,000 first prize
Tonia Ko’s ‘Soothe a Tooth’ performed by violist Stephen Upshaw
The violist additionally shares his thoughts on the work, described as ’an exercise in not trying to beautify every sound but to admit vulnerability’ which vividly captures the anxiety of 2020 and life in lockdown
Tonia Ko’s ‘Soothe a Tooth’ performed by violist Stephen Upshaw
Violinist Maya Magub celebrates Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s 150th anniversary with ‘Valse Mauresque’
Signum Quartet performs Priaulx Rainier’s Scherzo
Cellist Santiago Cañón-Valencia performs his own composition, ‘Ouróboros’
Cellist Sterling Elliott performs Kevin Day’s ‘Gymnopédie I’
At the World’s Edge: Huw Watkins String Trio no.2
Watch: Alisa Weilerstein performs The Recovery of Paradise: Blackford Cello Concerto
Just Biber: a new video from violinist Rachel Podger
New video: Lembit Beecher’s ‘Green Line’ performed by cellist Karen Ouzounian
WATCH: Antonio Mormone International Prize finals – day four
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UK government proposes charging for Musical Instrument Certificates
Under the proposals, instrument owners in Britain may need to pay up to £200 per application
My Space: Wiebke Lüders’ Voss workshop
Take a look at the maker’s Norwegian workshop
Trade Secrets: Fitting a marquetry inlay
A guide to adding a unique, personalised touch to an instrument front or back
Small violas: does size matter?
Luthiers Bas Maas and Francesco Piasentini report on a series of experiments in Villefavard, France, seeking to discover conclusively whether small violas can produce sound as ‘big’ as larger models
Violinist Anthony Marwood loaned c.1709 Stradivari
The British musician will give his first performance on the c.1709 ‘Scotta’ on 14 September
Lutherie in Berlin: Berlin calling
While some European capitals have a well-documented history of violin making, Berlin has passed under the radar. Daniel Kogge looks at some of the German capital’s most prominent makers from the 18th century onwards
UK government proposes charging for Musical Instrument Certificates
Under the proposals, instrument owners in Britain may need to pay up to £200 per application
My Space: Wiebke Lüders’ Voss workshop
Take a look at the maker’s Norwegian workshop
Trade Secrets: Fitting a marquetry inlay
A guide to adding a unique, personalised touch to an instrument front or back
Small violas: does size matter?
Luthiers Bas Maas and Francesco Piasentini report on a series of experiments in Villefavard, France, seeking to discover conclusively whether small violas can produce sound as ‘big’ as larger models
Violinist Anthony Marwood loaned c.1709 Stradivari
The British musician will give his first performance on the c.1709 ‘Scotta’ on 14 September
Lutherie in Berlin: Berlin calling
While some European capitals have a well-documented history of violin making, Berlin has passed under the radar. Daniel Kogge looks at some of the German capital’s most prominent makers from the 18th century onwards
Concert review: Opening night at Boulez Saal in Berlin with Christian Tetzlaff (violin) and Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)
US correspondent Thomas May visits the 2025-26 opening season recital at Berlin’s Pierre Boulez Saal on 16 September 2025
Concert review: Jasper Quartet
Bruce Hodges attends the Bowdoin International Music Festival at the Studzinski Recital Hall in Brunswick, ME, US, on 7 July 2025
Concert review: Attacca Quartet
Bruce Hodges visits the Studzinski Recital Hall in Brunswick, ME, US, on 14 July 2025 for the recital of Beethoven, Ravel, Caroline Shaw, Paul Wiancko and Radiohead
Brahms Trio: History of the Russian Piano Trio Vol.7
This enterprising series shines a light on two lost Russians
Phoenix Quartet, Violina Petrychenko: Ukrainian Piano Quintets
Passionate accounts of rarely heard Ukrainian quintets
Parry Karp: Bloch
Persuasive ardency serves this heightened music well
Book review: Kloz: The Violinmaker Family from Mittenwald
Bharat Khandekar reads Wolfgang Zunterer’s long-awaited volume on one of Germany’s most important violin making families
Book review: The Art of Collaboration: Chamber Music Rehearsal Techniques and Team Building
Celia Cobb reads a new book by Annie Fullard and Dorianne Cotter-Lockard on strategies for teaching chamber music
Book review: The Power of Music: How Music Connects Us All
Janet Banks reads Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s first book, which covers everything from his early years in Nottingham to his public comments about Rule Britannia!
Debate
Opinion: The dangers of perfectionism
In striving to become the best player or educator you can be, it’s important not to fall into the trap of unhelpful perfectionism, say violinists and teachers Claire Allen and Christine Goodner
Opinion: Strategies for coming back to your instrument
Returning to your instrument after a long break can be dispiriting, says cellist Davina Shum, but it’s important to take it by degrees, have faith in your ability and trust the process
Debate
Opinion: The dangers of perfectionism
In striving to become the best player or educator you can be, it’s important not to fall into the trap of unhelpful perfectionism, say violinists and teachers Claire Allen and Christine Goodner
Opinion: Strategies for coming back to your instrument
Returning to your instrument after a long break can be dispiriting, says cellist Davina Shum, but it’s important to take it by degrees, have faith in your ability and trust the process
Accessories
Products October 2025: For-Tune Strings Charm X violin strings
New strings extend the original range’s characteristics
Products October 2025: Forte3D cello with painted top
The carbon fibre cello is now available with alternative designs
Products October 2025: divi:de travel bow
A new bow that can be disassembled to make travel simpler
Concert review: Opening night at Boulez Saal in Berlin with Christian Tetzlaff (violin) and Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)
US correspondent Thomas May visits the 2025-26 opening season recital at Berlin’s Pierre Boulez Saal on 16 September 2025
Concert review: Jasper Quartet
Bruce Hodges attends the Bowdoin International Music Festival at the Studzinski Recital Hall in Brunswick, ME, US, on 7 July 2025
Concert review: Attacca Quartet
Bruce Hodges visits the Studzinski Recital Hall in Brunswick, ME, US, on 14 July 2025 for the recital of Beethoven, Ravel, Caroline Shaw, Paul Wiancko and Radiohead
Book review: Kloz: The Violinmaker Family from Mittenwald
Bharat Khandekar reads Wolfgang Zunterer’s long-awaited volume on one of Germany’s most important violin making families
Book review: The Art of Collaboration: Chamber Music Rehearsal Techniques and Team Building
Celia Cobb reads a new book by Annie Fullard and Dorianne Cotter-Lockard on strategies for teaching chamber music
Book review: The Power of Music: How Music Connects Us All
Janet Banks reads Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s first book, which covers everything from his early years in Nottingham to his public comments about Rule Britannia!
Brahms Trio: History of the Russian Piano Trio Vol.7
This enterprising series shines a light on two lost Russians
Phoenix Quartet, Violina Petrychenko: Ukrainian Piano Quintets
Passionate accounts of rarely heard Ukrainian quintets
Parry Karp: Bloch
Persuasive ardency serves this heightened music well
Artists
Alisa Weilerstein: fragments of the future
The US cellist Alisa Weilerstein talks to Peter Quantrill about reinventing the solo recital for a multimedia age, and working with living composers to renew the concerto repertoire
Happy birthday to Itzhak Perlman!
In celebration of the violinist’s birthday on 31 August, enjoy six pearls of wisdom from the man himself
Words of Wisdom: Double bassist Gary Karr
The double bassist offered advice from his playing and teaching career in our June 2011 issue
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