The article reports that the Franz Hofmann and Sophie Hagemann Foundation paid 285,000 euros in compensation to the heirs of Felix Hildesheimer, a Jewish music dealer who purchased a Stradivari-like instrument in 1706. The restitution process followed a long dispute over a violin allegedly looted during the Nazi era. The instrument, associated with Cremona craftsmanship, was eventually acknowledged as lost due to Nazi persecution, leading to a monetary settlement.
The Independent reports that floorboards once walked by Sir Ernest Shackleton were used to craft a violin by luthier Steve Burnett to mark the centenary of Shackleton’s death. The instrument incorporates driftwood from a Scottish beach and includes a transcription of all 28 Endurance expedition crew names and a poem titled Oratory by Mel McMahon.
Artists: NAC Orchestra. Instruments: Yosuke Kawasaki, violin; Jessica Linnebach, violin. The page discusses a concert titled A Journey Beyond presented by the National Arts Centre Orchestra, with accompanying biographical details about Yosuke Kawasaki and Jessica Linnebach.
The Franz-Hofmann-und-Sophie-Hagemann-Stiftung paid 285,000 euros to the heirs of the Jewish former owner of a Guarneri violin, ending a long dispute over the instrument. The payment followed the resignation of the four-member board, and the foundation’s assets were halved by the settlement.
The article reports that e-instruments is offering the Stradivari Cello separately, previously part of the Cremona Quartet released in September 2020. It highlights features such as NI NKS compatibility, multiple articulations, legato transitions, vibrato, mic positions, and CPU-friendly options, and notes the cello is a faithful recreation of Antonio Stradivari’s Stauffer cello from around 1700 recorded in Cremona.
The Violin Channel reports that Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto has been granted a trial loan of the Golden Period Stradivarius nicknamed Scotta, effective immediately through Tarisio. The instrument, circa 1709, has a history including ownership by Frida Schytte (Frida Scotta) and a path through Emil Hermann, Barbara Kempner, the Busch Ensemble, and Marlboro Music Festival before returning to the market after more than 30 years.
The article discusses the theft of the Davidoff Stradivarius violin, valued today at over $3 million, from violinist Erica Morini's New York City apartment in 1995. It covers Morini's prominence, the lack of forced entry, and the circle of people close to Morini who might be suspects, including remarks from violinist Frank Almond and violin dealer Brian Skarstad about Morini and the instrument.