No. 323, March/April 2025

In our cover story this issue, cellist Abel Selaocoe talks about his approach to the cello and how he uses music to connect cultures. “ If you take an instrument such as the cello or the violin, and it goes into so many parts of the world,” he says, “you can’t expect it not to be touched by the culture that is there.” His new album, Hymns of Bantu, demonstrates his strengths as a musician and communicator. Elsewhere, you’ll find a special section focusing on four great cities for string players (Philadelphia, Prague, Charlotte, and Montreal), a lesson on thumb position, and a feature about one of history’s great violin collections.

Also in this issue:

15 significant 21st-century string works

John Hartford’s fiddle tune treasure trove

Cellist Peter Gregson creates an album with a presence

Danbi Um’s 1683 Amati violin

Waking up a new or long-dormant violin 

And more . . .