A Letter From The Founders

Geoffrey Fushi

Mary Galvin

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. Today the Society is able to reach out to exceptional young artists around the world through our North American, European, and Asian divisions, but there is so much more work to be done.

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 today's 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.

The Philanthropic Spirit of Patronage

The philosophy of patronage — as practiced by the Medicis and other great individuals and families throughout history — enabled the arts to flourish in the past. This noble practice is thriving today at The Stradivari Society®.

For The Stradivari Society® patron, the benefits are many and profoundly meaningful. As with fine art and other collectibles, there is the joy of ownership. Perhaps most satisfying of all is the unique and extremely rewarding relationship that develops between patron and artist. Along with the deep satisfaction of nurturing a major career is the knowledge that the patron's support has been essential in that artist making a lasting contribution to the world of classical music. Society artists are in the spotlight worldwide. Patrons, if they wish, have the opportunity to be recognized in the program notes of major orchestras and in the media wherever these artists perform the world over, as well as on internationally distributed recordings by major labels.

At Ravinia after recipient Yang Liu's recital on the Rising Star Series: Mary Lou Witz, Max Lulich, Mary Galvin, L. Kapson, recipient Yang Liu, Alec Fushi, Geoffrey Fushi, and Delia Dai

Recipients perform private recitals for their patrons each year, in addition to concerts for Society supporters and their guests. The concerts provide once-in-a-lifetime musical experiences which the patron can share with family, friends, and business associates. These performances have ranged from house concerts reminiscent of the salon concerts of the past to concerts at distinguished clubs, legendary performance venues, and special events for charity.

Administration of all aspects of instrument loans, insurance, and maintenance for patrons is handled by the Society, which serves as a liaison between artist and patron. Instruments are given optimum care by the Curator of The Stradivari Society's® collection, world-renowned master restorer John K. Becker.

Eunice Lee

Stradivaris and Guarneris as well as other great instruments will continue to be held in the hands of great artists only as a result of concerned individual and institutional sponsorship. Thanks to generous patrons, The Stradivari Society® has become a "living museum," with all of its great art objects in use by artists all over the world. Instruments deteriorate if not played regularly — what better use is there for these priceless violins, violas, cellos, and bows than to be in the hands of one of the world's top musicians for the enhancement and enjoyment of all who are touched by great music?