Violinist Vilde Frang granted use of the 1734 'Rode' Guarneri del Gesù

Norwegian violinist Vilde Frang will be loaned the 1734 ‘Rode’ Guarneri del Gesù violin by a generous benefactor.

The loan was facilitated by Steven Smith, Managing Director of J & A Beare and Stephan Jansen, co-founder of the Stretton Society.

Frang commented: “Words cannot describe what a milestone the discovery of the ‘Rode’ Guarneri has been for me. Having had the privilege to explore an incredible selection of instruments recommended by J & A Beare in search of the right instrument, the ‘Rode’ happens to be the violin of my dreams. Thanks to them, and to the incredible generosity of the Stretton Society who have secured the long-term loan, I feel truly blessed that I am able to keep on playing on it! My joy and gratitude are expanding every day.”

The joint project is a remarkable achievement between J & A Beare Ltd. and the Stretton Society, whose work is aimed at benefiting exceptionally talented artists.

The violin has an illustrious history, having been played in the past by celebrated virtuosi such as Pierre Rode, Norbert Brainin, and Kyung Wha Chung. It is preserved in beautiful condition and produces a powerful sound, full of rich tonalities.

Photograph: Laszlo Emmer / Festival Academy Budapest

Norwegian-born Vilde Frang has studied with Kolya Blacher at Musikhochschule Hamburg and Ana Chumachenco at the Kronberg Academy. She debuted as a soloist at the age of 12 with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra and went on to win a scholarship at the Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation. Her recent and forthcoming solo engagements include performances with the Berlin Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, London Symphony, Concertgebouw Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony, with conductors such as Vladimir Ashkenazy, Zubin Mehta, Sir Simon Rattle and many others. Frang has won numerous awards including the Grand Prix du Disque, Edison Klassiek Award, Deutsche Schallplattenpreis, Diapason d’Or, and Gramophone Award.