Life of Guangzhou - World-Class Violins in Foshan Concert

Last night (July 24), Foshan's Qionghua Theatre played host to the "Mid-Summer Night of World Famous Violins" given by Chi Mei Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan. Altogether 40 antique violins including one by Nicolo Amati were featured in the concert, the most valuable of them worth more than 20 million yuan. It goes without saying, the music was extraordinary.

The violins were a treasure to players and collectors alike, with their outstanding craftmanship, beautiful lines and pure timbre. Moreover, there were stories to many of them, not least the Nicolo Amati instrument.

From left to right:

Nicolo Amati Violin
Made in Italy in 1656. Regarded as a definitive work by many outstanding violinmakers including Andrea Guarneri. The timbre it produces is ancient, yet as pure as the rising sun.

Jacob Stainer Violin
Made in Germany in 1656. Attracts many violinists with its sweet, yet penetrating timbre. Its maker Stainer is considered as the "Master of the 400-year German Violin History".

Stradivari Antonio Violin
Made in 1722. Its outline, thickness of its wood, fine craftsmanship, paintwork and carving of its head are nothing short of perfection, making it a model for later generations.

LaFont Violin
Elaborately made by del Gesu in 1733. The Hill brothers once regarded the La Font as one of the most representative works in its maker's prime time (from 1730 to 1735).

(Translated by Nicole Chik and Proofread by Professor David Kelleway, www.lifeofguangzhou.com)