ProMusica to Debut Rare 1709-1710 Gobetti Violin at Feb. 25 & 26 Neighborhood Concerts
Orchestra concludes its search for violin to be played by Concertmaster Katherine McLin
(Columbus) — ProMusica Chamber Orchestra Concertmaster Katherine McLin will debut a more than 300-year-old violin, recently acquired by the orchestra, during the Neighborhood Concerts on Feb. 25 at Worthington United Methodist Church and Feb. 26 at St. Mary Catholic Church in German Village. Concluding a year-long search, the rare Italian violin was purchased last month with a portion of a $1 million transformational gift from an anonymous donor.
The violin, a 1709-1710 Francesco Gobetti, is an incredibly rare instrument. A Venetian maker, Gobetti lived from 1675-1723 and ranks as one of the greatest makers of the Venetian school. Gobetti had an extremely small output of instruments. At one point, 18 violins were known in existence – there have been a few more added to the list over the years, but there are still less than 25 that are known. He seems to have made no violas or cellos. This makes his instruments among the rarest.
With two full years to find the instrument, ProMusica concluded the search one year ahead of schedule. Over the course of the search and with the assistance of Creative Partner violinist Vadim Gluzman, McLin tried 28 different violins, of which 12 were considered but only three that were serious contenders, Gobetti being one of them.
“We are grateful to have had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to search and acquire a rare violin for the orchestra,” said Janet Chen, CEO of ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. “This was not an easy process, and one we took very seriously. The Gobetti was the only violin in which Katie, Vadim, and our Music Director David Danzmayr unanimously agreed on all the factors and elements we were looking for. With a short timeframe to make the decision, the stars quickly and realistically aligned, and we are absolutely thrilled to have such an exquisite instrument in our possession.”
The violin is owned by ProMusica, and will be played by McLin for the duration of her career as ProMusica’s Concertmaster, and by future Concertmasters. The Gobetti will replace a 1734 Sanctus Seraphin violin McLin had been using on loan from an anonymous foundation. McLin will debut the Gobetti at ProMusica’s new “Neighborhood Series” on February 25-26, with a program led by Gluzman.
“I was humbled to be part of this incredible journey and I can’t wait to share the Gobetti’s beautiful voice with ProMusica and our Columbus community,” said McLin. “The violin’s sound and provenance will only continue to elevate and ground the sound of our string section. It is an honor to play this instrument and it was an even bigger honor to play a part in bringing it here.”
For more information about the Feb. 25 & 26 concerts, visit www.promusicacolumbus.org/neighborhoods.
###
ABOUT PROMUSICA
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra delivers a world-class and unique classical music experience—through innovative chamber orchestra programming, education outreach, audience intimacy, and artistic excellence. Recognized for its commitment to performing new and contemporary repertoire, ProMusica has commissioned 68 new works and has presented more than 110 premieres.
Bringing worldwide talent to Columbus since 1978, ProMusica offers an adventurous musical experience through intimate performances on the stages of the Southern Theatre and The Fives. The orchestra, comprised of 37 musicians, showcases homegrown talents, rising stars, and guest artists of international acclaim. Beyond the concert hall, the orchestra is equally at home throughout the community, serving thousands of individuals through key education and outreach programs. Known for its dual traditions of artistic integrity and fiscal responsibility, ProMusica is now in its 44th season.
ProMusica’s 2022-2023 season is supported by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, The Columbus Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council, Nationwide, the Reinberger Foundation, and the ProMusica Sustaining Board. Media support is provided by WOSU Classical 101 FM.
