You'll want to add this special event to your Scottsdale to-do list this winter and spring!
Beginning January 16, 2016, the Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale will showcase 10 exceptional historic and modern examples from the string family, including a 1728 Stradivarius violin on public display for the first time in the United States.
The exhibit, “Stradivarius: Origins and Legacy of the Greatest Violin Maker,” tells the story of how early violin makers from the modest Italian city of Cremona shaped global music from the 16th century onward. As you tour the exhibit, you’ll be able to see and hear the instruments played and much more, according to Kathleen Wiens, PhD, the MIM’s curator for Europe.
“When visitors walk into the gallery, they will be taken on a journey from the Fiemme Valley forest, where the early masters sourced their wood, through violin maker’s workshops, European royal courts, science labs and finally to the thrilling concert stage,” she says. “It will be an experience like no other.”
As you explore the exhibit, you’ll be introduced to the masters of the Cremonese violin makers—the Amati, Guarneri, and Stradivari families—and see five historic instruments produced from the 16th to the early 19th centuries. Additionally, five award-winning modern instruments by European and American makers demonstrates the ongoing legacy of the Cremonese violin-making method.
Highlights of the exhibit include:
- The “Carlo IX” violin, ca. 1566 by Andrea Amati — One of only 20 instruments created by the founding father of the violin that are known to have survived, this particular violin was made for King Charles IX of France, son of the powerful Catherine de’ Medici.
- The “Arôt-Alard” violin, ca. 1728 by Antonio Stradivari — The deep color tones and refined craftsmanship of this instrument represents the late-period work of one of the most widely imitated violin makers in the world.
- The “Prince Doria” violin, ca. 1734 by Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesù” — Approximately 200 instruments by this master have survived. They often fetch equal or higher prices on the auction block than those of Stradivari.
“Stradivarius: Origins and Legacy of the Greatest Violin Maker” will be on display through June 5, 2016, in MIM’s Target Gallery. Tickets are $10 for the special exhibit and $7 when purchased with general admission to the museum.
Throughout the exhibit’s nearly six-month run, the museum will host special events to celebrate this one-of-a-kind opportunity. On the final weekend, June 4 and 5, MIM will celebrate Italy’s music and culture with an “Experience Italy” event.
Some of the world’s most talented violinists will also be play concerts during this time, including virtuosa Rachel Barton Pine, jazz violinist Regina Carter, champion of American music Mark O’Connor, and Midori. For general museum information and a full schedule of events, visit MIM.org or call 480-478-6000.
