New Foundation Saves Workshop of Stradivari

One of the most well-known luthiers of all time, Antonio Stradivari's name has been synonymous with quality and perfection. Many leading musicians of today play an instrument by Stradivari: Maxim Vengerov's 1727 "Kreutzer," James Ehnes' 1715 "Marsick," Janine Jansen's 1715 "Rode, Duke of Cambridge," etc.

Located in Cremona, Italy, the last house and workshop where Stradivari lived and built instruments in was in need of renovation. Fabrizio von Arx launched the Casa Stradivari Foundation with the intent of renovating the house, reopening it as a site of violin history and cultural heritage.

Von Arx's first inspiration for the project came in 2020, when he celebrated the 300th birthday of his own Stradivari violin, named "The Angel." He traveled from Geneva to Cremona, educating the public on the history of his violin, as well as playing it in the Museo del Violino and the workshop of Stradivari — in which the instrument was first created 300 years ago. This journey culminated in the documentary "For the next 300 years."

After seeing the house, Von Arx created the Casa Stradivari foundation with Antonio Gambardella and Stefania Soldi. The trio aims to completely renovate the three-story house by November 2022. The projected completion will include an exhibition space, a library, a music room, a conference room, and a space for viewing and listening to classical music. Additionally, the terrace on the third floor will allow visitors to observe where Stradivari once dried his violins after applying his unique coats of varnish.

Von Arx, who serves as artistic director of the foundation, commented: "It is a great emotion to revive Casa Stradivari, but also an immense responsibility. This house will be rich in ideas and inspiration for young musicians."

Under the Casa Stradivari brand, the founding trio aims to present Stradivari's musical vision to international audiences in the form of documentary films, concerts, and conferences — as well as reaching new audiences through the music performed on a Stradivari instrument.