Europe

Eduard Wulfson works with Ryu Goto (Midori's brother) at a master class in the Great Room at Bein & Fushi.

Our European Division opened its doors in 1999 in response to the growing number of inquiries from potential European patrons and recipients. Professor Eduard Wulfson, distinguished violinist and renowned coach of international soloists, has been at the helm since the beginning. In his role as director, the multi-faceted Wulfson serves as patron, coach, impresario, and administrator. Under his leadership, the Society has developed relationships with important patrons, is building a roster of distinguished artist-recipients, presenting landmark events, and becoming an indispensible resource for leading collectors and artists in Europe.

In an exciting development, major legislative changes in France in 2004 have eased the way for many potential collectors to develop the financial and legal structure to acquire major instruments and loan them to leading artists.

Wulfson Becomes the Society's First European Patron

Acquires Only Existent Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù Cello

Professor Wulfson's tenure as Director began with his spectacular orchestration of the acquisition of the "Messeas" of 1731, the only surviving cello by Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù. With that stunning acquisition, the professor became the first European patron as well. This exceptional instrument was then loaned to the acclaimed cellist David Geringas and now is being played by the legendary Natalia Gutman.

The "Lady Harmsworth" Stradivari Is Added to the Society's Collection

Kristóf Barati is the Recipient

Geoffrey Fushi and Eduard Wulfson in the Raphael Gallery of the Musée de Luxembourg.

Audiences at Society events in Chicago and Paris over the last five years have been captivated by the artistry of Kristóf Barati. This extraordinary young artist has found an ideal pairing with the magnificent "Lady Harmsworth" violin of 1703, thanks to his generous patron and Professor Eduard Wulfson, Barati's advisor, who brought the instrument to his attention.

Special Events

Professor Wulfson has been both impresario and performer at many dazzling special events that have significantly enhanced the visibility of our organization in Europe.

Music Meets Art in Glorious Paris Performances

Eduard Wulfson, Natalia Gutman, and Kristóf Barati Dazzle in Enchanting Concerts at the Musée de Luxembourg

Two spectacular performances in January and February, 2002, celebrated the exquisite marriage of sound and color with the music of Bach, Mozart, and Schubert and the art of Raphael. The concerts were held at the invitation of the French Sénat in an intimate museum gallery setting at the Musée de Luxembourg in Paris. For the two performances, violinist Eduard Wulfson, violist Yvietta Matison, and cellist Natalia Gutman in January, and violinist Kristóf Barati in February, performed on several great instruments brought to Paris especially for these events by Geoffrey Fushi.

Kristóf Barati Shines in Bach's Six Sonatas for Solo Violin

The performance of any one of Bach's six solo sonatas is a watershed moment in a violinist's career. The performance of all six in a single evening, duplicating Nathan Milstein's legendary feat, marks the emergence of a major talent — a talent nurtured by Eduard Wulfson and The Stradivari Society ® . The Foundation Pleyel in Paris was the prestigious and elegant venue. For this groundbreaking performance, Barati played the "Cobbett" Stradivari of 1683 loaned by the Society. Saphir Productions recorded the performance.

Master Classes Internationales de Violon

Founded over a decade ago by Professor Wulfson, the Master Classes Internationales de Violon is held each summer in distinguished venues that have included the Sorbonne, Chateau du Champs, and Conservatoire Russe de Paris Serge Rachmaninoff. Originally for violinists only, in 2002 the program was also open to violists and cellists, allowing participants an in-depth exploration of the chamber music literature. The Festival is one of the world's most sought-after summer music events for both teachers and students worldwide. Faculty members have included outstanding soloists Ida Haendel, Stradivari Society® recipients Vadim Repin, Natalia Gutman, and Kristóf Barati, as well as the distinguished pedagogues Michaél Guttman and Cyrus Forough.