Many people have attempted to discover the secret to how Antonio Stradivari created such superb instruments in the city of Cremona in the 17th and 18th centuries. Through his use of special materials and remarkable craftsmanship, a unique and powerful sound was born, coupled with a characteristic colour. Stradivari’s instruments, among the world’s most expensive, are regularly played by pre-eminent artists of the music world.

Recently, one of these amazing instruments found itself with a new custodian, and this year’s Budapest Wagner Days audience will get to enjoy the captivating sound the two of them make together: Vilmos Oláh, concertmaster of the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, an integral part of the festival for more than ten years, has earned the distinction of having Ádám Fischer, the festival’s artistic director and conductor, offer the monetary component of his Prima Primissima Award so that the violinist could play on a Stradivarius at the 2019 performances. In recognition of Oláh’s achievements, the Guarneri Society Switzerland offered him a 300-year-old Stradivarius masterpiece, which will play its most prominent role in Das Rheingold.

The two artists will show and demonstrate this remarkable instrument to the audience at 5.30 pm on 14 June, during the first interval of Die Walküre, in a brief discussion programme presented by music historian Endre Tóth.

Admission to the programme is free of charge to holders of tickets for that day’s opera performance, subject to advance registration.

Presented by: Müpa Budapest