Episode 54: Timothy Chooi on playing Strads

Most people are considered lucky if they get to play a Strad in their lifetime. Violinist Timothy Chooi is lucky enough to have been granted use of two Stradivari instruments within a decade! In 2015 he was loaned the 1717 ‘Windsor-Weinstein’ Stradivari from the Canada Council for the Arts, which he played up until this year, when he was loaned the 1709 ‘Engelman’ Strad from the Nippon Foundation.

Using various analogies, Timothy speaks about his experiences playing these fine instruments, including how despite their mystical status, it’s not always smooth sailing. He also shares how playing old instruments informs his playing of modern instruments and vice versa.

Timothy will appear in recital with pianist Julien Quentin at the Verbier Festival on 28 July. More information can be found here: https://www.verbierfestival.com/show/mainstage-2022-07-28-1600/

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Sunshine on Tashkurgan

Chen Gang (1935-)

Timothy Chooi, violin / Michelle Cann, piano

Photo credit: Den Sweeney