From Raw Breaths to Angelic Tones: The Return of the 311-Year-Old Stradivarius

Dresden Philharmonic to Perform in Korea on June 16
Canadian Violinist James Ehnes Joins as Soloist

The Stradivarius is considered the finest violin in existence. Due to its high price, it is rare for a violinist to own a Stradivarius. Most violinists play Stradivarius instruments through rental or sponsorship agreements.

James Ehnes is one of the few violinists in the world who actually owns a Stradivarius. His Stradivarius is named ‘Marsick,’ after the Belgian violinist Martin Pierre Marsick (1847–1924), who once owned it. Stradivarius violins crafted between 1700 and 1720 are especially revered; the Marsick was made in 1715.

An opportunity to experience the sound of the legendary Marsick will be presented at Bucheon Art Center on June 16, 2026. Ehnes will take the stage as a soloist with the Dresden Philharmonic during their tour of Korea, performing Max Bruch’s (1838–1920) Violin Concerto No. 1.

Violinist James Ennis. InArts Production (c)Ben Ealovega

The 1715 ‘Marsick’ in Concert: “Capable of Many Colors”

The Marsick played by Ehnes is a Stradivarius acquired in 1999 by renowned American instrument collector David Fulton for approximately 8 million dollars (about 12.5 billion won). Shortly after his purchase, Fulton provided Ehnes with a long-term loan of the Marsick. Ehnes performed on the instrument for over a decade before purchasing it outright around 2010. The amount Ehnes paid Fulton for the Marsick has not been disclosed.

In a written interview with The Asia Business Daily, Ehnes cited the instrument’s remarkable adaptability as its greatest strength. He explained that the Marsick allows him to freely express a wide range of tonal colors according to his artistic intentions. Ehnes noted, “Other than possessing an inherently pure tone, the Marsick does not have a particularly pronounced character. That’s why it can produce a sound that is rich, deep, and even rough, or on the other hand, a brilliantly clear and angelic tone.”

Bruch composed three violin concertos, of which the first—often regarded as the epitome of Romantic violin concertos from the 19th century—is performed most frequently. Rather than dazzling virtuosity, the work is beloved for its profound lyricism and emotional warmth. In particular, the dramatic contrast between the deeply lyrical second movement and the energetic third movement leaves a lasting impression. Ehnes described Bruch’s Violin Concerto as “a truly beautiful work that tells an exceptionally compelling story,” adding, “No matter how many times I play it, I never get tired of it.”

The Dresden Philharmonic, together with the Staatskapelle Dresden, is a leading orchestra representing Dresden, Germany, and boasts a 156-year history. Ehnes remarked, “The orchestra possesses a uniquely rich and beautiful sound. I am especially impressed by the depth and warmth of the string section, as well as the outstanding balance and flexibility of the entire ensemble.” He added, “In works like Bruch’s concerto, where lyricism and a wealth of color are so important, these qualities are even more pronounced.”

Violinist James Ennes. InArts Production (c)Ben Ealovega

A 156-Year-Old German Orchestra: “The Depth of the Strings Is Striking”

Ehnes occupies a singular position among Canada’s leading violinists today. He began playing the violin at age five and made his debut at thirteen, performing as a soloist with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. In recognition of his contributions to music, he was awarded the Order of Canada in 2010 and was named Gramophone’s Artist of the Year in 2021. Celebrating his 50th birthday this year, Ehnes is touring across Canada through September 2026 with the support of several Canadian musical institutions.

He has visited Korea on several occasions. In 2016, he came with the Ehnes Quartet and performed the complete Beethoven string quartets. At the time, violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill was a member of the Ehnes Quartet. In 2022 and 2023, he performed with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, and in 2024, with the KBS Symphony Orchestra. Ehnes said, “Korea is a truly special place filled with cherished memories for me. Korean audiences are always warm, highly focused, and passionate, creating a unique atmosphere in every concert hall.”

In addition to performing with Ehnes, the Dresden Philharmonic will present Ralph Vaughan Williams’s “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis” and Brahms’s Symphony No. 4. The concert will be conducted by Sir Donald Runnicles, who led the Deutsche Oper Berlin for 16 years and begins his first season as Chief Conductor of the Dresden Philharmonic in the 2025–2026 season.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.