Venerable violin set to grace stage at upcoming British music event
Historic Carrodus Violin Performed at BBC Proms by Inmo Yang
The Carrodus violin, a rare and valuable instrument crafted in 1743 by Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesu, made a stunning return to public performance at London's Royal Albert Hall during the BBC Proms on 28 August. The performance was handled by South Korean violinist Inmo Yang, who made his Proms debut with the historic instrument.
The Carrodus violin, one of only around 150 surviving violins made by Guarneri del Gesu, was once owned by the legendary violinist Niccolò Paganini. In 2025, the philanthropic Stretton Society acquired the violin for $20 million, with the intention of placing rare instruments in the hands of leading musicians rather than keeping them locked in private collections.
Inmo Yang, one of the finest musicians of his generation, expressed deep honor and responsibility in playing the instrument. He emphasized the importance of using rare historic violins actively so they remain "living voices" rather than museum artifacts. The program for the evening included a demanding piece, Pablo de Sarasate's "Carmen Fantasy", which showcased the expressive capabilities of both the musician and the instrument.
The broad palette of the Carrodus violin adds a strong and flirty character to Pablo de Sarasate's "Carmen Fantasy", making the sound quite unpredictable and giving more liveliness to the performance. Inmo Yang also believes that the connection to Paganini, who once owned the Carrodus violin, adds a spiritual aspect to the performance.
The Stretton Society, a network of philanthropists, patrons, and sponsors, has loaned the Carrodus violin to Inmo Yang for his performance at the BBC Proms. The Stretton Society aims to acquire rare and valuable instruments to lend to the world's leading musicians, ensuring that these historic masterpieces continue to inspire and captivate audiences.
Audience members may have been particularly interested in hearing Paganini's music played on his own violin, the Carrodus. The Carrodus violin will be seen again at London's Royal Albert Hall on 28 August, a testament to its continued importance in the world of music.
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