Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
| 24 Apr 2024 | |
| Australia | |
| Music and the Arts |
Emily, one of MLC School’s Eminent Alumnae and the winner of a 2021 Alumnae Award, says she feels ‘very privileged to play on this beautiful instrument during this fleeting period of its already long life and history. This violin has a very rich sound with a lot of depth.’
The Adelaide is part of a rare and valuable set of instruments known as the ‘golden age’ instruments, most from 17th and 18th century Italy. Giovanni Battista Guadagnini made this violin in Milan between 1753 and 1757.
Purchased in 1955, with many South Australians donating to a public subscription to meet the purchase price of 1,750 pounds, the violin was named The Adelaide to honour these South Australians for their generosity.
A trust was established to ensure its preservation. The violin has since passed through the hands of numerous performers who are respected leaders and educators in the Australian music world.
In 2013, Adelaide’s UKARIA Cultural Centre was entrusted with the violin’s ongoing maintenance and care. UKARIA loans The Adelaide to a different Australian musician for a period of three years.
The Adelaide is not Emily’s first vintage instrument, she formerly played a 1760 violin made by Nicolò Gagliano, another Italian maker. Emily says she can definitely tell the difference between the Gagliano and The Adelaide: ‘The lower notes are so deep sometimes it sounds almost like a cello. You can hear the different voices like soprano, alto, tenor and bass across the four strings when you play this violin.’
Describing her relationship with her violins as ‘like a marriage’ which evolves over time, Emily said ‘We’re still getting to know each other. With these great old instruments, there’s always something more to figure out through pushing each other’s limits every day.’
Emily says she feels privileged to have ‘a piece of Australian story with me wherever I perform in the world.’ As the 2023 Artist-in-Association with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Emily and The Adelaide will regularly perform in the city that bears the violin’s name.