Violinist creates foundation to save abandoned Stradivari workshop

Violinist Fabrizio von Arx has launched the Casa Stradivari Foundation with the aim of saving the workshop of the great violin maker Antonio Stradivari. Through the foundation von Arx aims to renovate the house and workshop where Stradivari lived and worked, and reopen it as a cultural site in November this year.

To celebrate the 300^th anniversary of his violin, a 1720 Stradivarius, called the ‘Angel’, von Arx drove from Geneva to Cremona in September 2020, to search for the origins of his exceptional instrument, performing with other artists along his way through the Swiss and Italian Alps.

As well as co-founding the organisation, Von Arx is the foundations artistic director. He said: ‘It is a great emotion to be able to revive Casa Stradivari, but also a great responsibility. This house will be rich in ideas and inspiration for young musicians.’

This journey was the subject of TV documentary For the next 300 years, which premiered this month at the Museo del Violino, followed by a performance by von Arx in the Casa Stradivari where his violin was made. Following this journey, von Arx launched the foundation alongside Antonio Gambardella and Stefania Soldi.

Following the renovation, the building will include an exhibition space, library, music room, conference room, and a dedicated space for viewing and listening to classical music. The building’s terrace where Stradivari used to dry his violins will also be open to the public.

The Casa Stradivari brand will also present projects worldwide aimed at exporting Antonio Stradivari's musical vision including conferences, documentary films, and concerts.