Dear Friend:

     In 1985 Dorothy DeLay, the legendary pedagogue of The Juilliard School, came to us with a request: to provide the loan of an outstanding instrument that could give voice to the artistry of her extraordinarily gifted student, Midori. With the fulfillment of that one request fifteen years ago we realized that there were many more promising musicians that might never be able to reach their full artistic potential without the use of such an instrument‹and The Stradivari Society^® was born.
     Talent, dedication, and hard work are simply not enough to successfully launch a professional career. A great instrument is essential, allowing virtuosos the exceptional sound and flexibility that grants them vast new possibilities of nuance and expression. The synergy resulting from the ideal pairing of artist and instrument is at the heart of great music-making. Unfortunately, the gap separating musician from instrument has never been wider. The finest examples of instrumental masterworks by Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù have become coveted works of art that sell in the millions of dollars each, placing this essential "tool" well out of the reach of even the most successful performer, and instead into the vaults of collectors or behind glass in museums.
     In recognition of this "state of the art," we at The Stradivari Society^® are working to bring artist and instrument together by encouraging philanthropists to acquire the finest Italian instruments for use by today¹s most accomplished young artists. In so doing, the philanthropist's generosity helps not only to preserve our cherished classical music traditions but also to significantly advance classical music performance around the world‹benefiting music lovers through live concerts, audio recordings, and television.
     The pride of owning a significant and valuable work of art and the gratifying relationship that develops between artist and benefactor are deeply satisfying for us and our Stradivari Society patrons. The private concerts performed by artists for their patrons and special guests are a source of profound musical enjoyment.
     Midori went on to become one of the finest violinists of our time and, recognizing the need for exceptional instruments to be in the hands of exceptional musicians, a patron of The Stradivari Society^®. Others whose careers have been furthered by the Society include the distinguished violinists Joshua Bell, Gil Shaham, Leila Josefowicz, Sarah Chang, Vadim Repin, Maxim Vengerov, and many others. But there are many more outstanding artists that need our help.
     Participation in The Stradivari Society^® inducts you into a select circle of music enthusiasts dedicated to preserving the tradition of string playing at the highest level by owning an appreciating asset. The Society administers all aspects of instrument loans, insurance, and maintenance, and serves as a liaison between artist and patron. We invite you to review the information about the Society presented in this brochure and join us in our efforts to sustain the rich heritage of the past and encourage and nurture excellence in the future.

Sincerely,