The article describes Mark Wood teaching and rehearsing with the Saratoga Springs High School orchestra in preparation for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, with proceeds from ticket sales going to music education. Mark Wood, creator of the Viper electric violin and founder of Wood Violins, collaborates with orchestra director Brooke Vincent and the Saratoga Springs High School orchestra, including arrangements by Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and Cream.
Steve Lopez reports on the 1996 theft of cellist Vahe Hayrikyan's cello and bows in Hollywood, and the emotional impact of the loss. The article details the instrument, its age and craftsmanship, and Hayrikyan's reaction to the theft.
The Kulttuurirahasto has acquired a Stradivari violin from the collection of the late Paavo Berglund. The violin, built around 1700, is to be kept in Finland and will be known as ex Berglund; it will be one of three Stradivari violins in loan use in the country.
Vincent Houser, a former student of Jascha Heifetz, purchases a Stradivarius-model violin crafted by Los Angeles maker Eric Benning. Houser is described as a longtime friend of Benning Violins, with Houser serving as Performing Arts Chairman at Buckley School and Orchestra Director for Art Deco Orchestra among other roles.
Taisiya Sokolova, a violist, has acquired a viola crafted by Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning. Sokolova studies with Paul Coletti at the Colburn School and resides in Moscow, Russia. The instrument is described as one of Eric Benning's most recently completed violas.