Violin

“My warmest congratulations to the amazing Stretton Society on the launch of Stretton Contemporary! First, a fantastic collection of great instruments given to wonderful artists, then xMP—a remarkable educational project—and now … Stretton Contemporary! A truly outstanding lineup of initiatives spreading joy and inspiration in all directions.
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Wishing the Stretton Society the greatest success!”

Violin

“Playing the 1734 ‘Rode’ Guarneri del Gesu feels like the privilege of a lifetime, and I am deeply grateful towards members of the Stretton Society for their support in making this dream a reality.”

Violoncello

“Stretton Contemporary is a fascinating project that honors the timeless legacy of Antonio Stradivari, the celebrated maker of my "Archinto", while pushing the boundaries of modern craftsmanship. It’s incredible to see innovation and tradition come together to inspire the next generation of musicians.”

Violin

“The Bench Inspiration of the ex Lord Amherst of Hackney, ex Fritz Kreisler may have been crafted yesterday, but its look, sound and character reflect the timeless essence of my beloved Antonio Stradivari”

Violoncello

“Rarely do contemporary instruments so beautifully capture the essence of their inspiration or sound as if they already carry centuries of memories and harmonies within them. This extraordinary Bench Inspiration No. 2 after Domenico Montagnana does just that. Yet, even more remarkably, it stands entirely on its own—a masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship, with a unique voice destined to be heard in concert halls around the world.”

Violin

“The voice of my Guarneri del Gesù, known as the ex Lady Stretton holds an infinite spectrum of tonal shades, which inspire me tremendously. I am thrilled that these colors will be shared further through the Bench Inspirations! The violin carries an extraordinary legacy, and I hope it will inspire many musicians to explore all possibilities in music and in their artistry.”

Violoncello

“My Ex-Paul Tortelier cello, made by Bartolomeo Tassini in Venice in 1750, is a rare example of an instrument where the maker pushed beyond tradition, embracing innovation and vision. Its rich, powerful sound fills even the largest concert halls.

Played by Paul Tortelier for nearly 40 years, it carries his passion and artistry. Imagine it reborn through the hands of a contemporary maker, bringing its legendary voice to a new generation!”

Violin

"Playing my Giovanni Battista Guadagnini is like stepping into a world of infinite possibilities. Its voice resonates with centuries of artistry, and through Stretton Contemporary’s vision, these Bench Inspirations become a bridge between the past and the future of music, empowering fine violinists to elevate their artistry to new heights.”