Violinist Emily Sun Named Custodian of “The Adelaide” Violin

Sun will become the next custodian of the 1753–57 Guadagnini violin, valued at over $1 million USD

Currently held in trust by UKARIA, the “The Adelaide” violin (crafted in Milan, Italy, in 1753–57 by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini) was purchased by the people of South Australia in 1955. 

As its next custodian, the award-winning Australian violinist Emily Sun will join a list of previous custodians with a connection to South Australia, including Australian violinists Carmel Hakendorf, William Hennessy, Jane Peters, Sophie Rowell, Paul Wright, and Natsuko Yoshimoto. 

Sun is currently a professor of violin at London’s Royal College of Music, as well as an ambassador for the college. She recently spoke on modern pedagogy at the Global Music Education League Conference for Higher Education and coached students at the China Conservatory of Music. 

Her upcoming projects include solo performances alongside conductors Andrew Litton and Shieyeon Sung, plus debuts with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Her record releases will include concerto performances with the London Mozart Players and ASO for ABC Classic.

Often referred to as the last of the great master luthiers of the “golden age” of string instruments — in company with Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù — Guadagnini had made around 403 violins, twenty-one violas, thirty-nine cellos, and three double basses.

“It is my responsibility to understand ‘The Adelaide’ and draw out its authentic sound, rather than impose on it my perception of what it should sound like,” Sun explained in the press release. “It takes time, patience and love to truly understand its depth and possibilities.”

“This Guadagnini has a ‘golden’ sound,” she continued. “I feel very privileged to play on this beautiful instrument, during this fleeting period of its already long life and history. The tone is very warm, dark and rich; very even and homogenous across the registers.”

Sun will perform on the Guadagnini violin with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) in Bruch’s Violin Concerto in February and March 2024, and in Barber's Violin Concerto in June 2024. Sun will also present a solo recital at UKARIA with London-based Australian pianist Joseph Havlat on July 28, 2024.

As ASO’s Artist-in-Association, Sun recently performed with the Sydney Symphony, the West Australian Symphony, and with the ASO in an acclaimed world-premiere performance of Elena Kats-Chernin’s violin concerto. 

“We’re thrilled to have a mid-career artist of Emily's caliber as the next recipient of ‘The Adelaide’ Guadagnini violin,’ added UKARIA CEO Alison Beare. “Emily has become an audience favorite in concert halls across Australia, and her ever-increasing array of international engagements are yet another testament to her universal appeal. Her close connection with local and national audiences will ensure the violin continues to be heard in Australia, whilst also playing a part in furthering her international career in London, as it once did for the inaugural custodian, Carmel Hakendorf, back in the 1950s.”

“It's been wonderful to see Emily’s career go from strength to strength on the international stage, as she continues to build a reputation as one of the finest Australian violinists of her generation,” said UKARIA founder and director Ulrike Klein AO. “Hearing her in recital at UKARIA over the years has been a great joy, and I know our connection will continue to deepen and evolve over the years to come. Emily’s artistry is the perfect fit for such an exquisite instrument.”