A bow by Daniel Schmidt for violinist Joel Munday

Donation protected

With my Hudelmayer violin in Oeschinensee, Switzerland, © Estelle Pogson

This time last year, due to the incredibly generous support of over 100 donors, I had the immense honour of becoming responsible for a beautiful violin by Andreas Hudelmayer. Since then, the instrument has accompanied me along my artistic journey all over Europe. Highlights have included appearing with the London Mozart Players in a performance of Mozart's First Violin Concerto, collaborating in recitals with my regular duo partner Julian Trevelyan, realising my dream of performing the Bach Sonatas and Partitas in concert and performing with chamber orchestras such as the Amsterdam Chamber Ensemble and the Cuore Chamber Orchestra.

I am extremely excited about the future, having recently joined the roster of the Tillett Trust. As a Tillett Debut Artist, I am looking forward to playing recitals throughout the UK over the next two seasons.

This exceptional violin is a tremendous source of delight and inspiration - it's rich sound offering a vast plethora of colours. Many have commented on the beauty and refinement of its sound and its excellent projection.

Listen to the Hudelmayer violin in this performance of Lili Boulanger's Nocturne

Fast forward one year and I am reaching out once again - this time in order to find the perfect companion for this instrument.

Example of a bow by Daniel Schmidt

The bow. It's importance is quite easily overlooked. While it might seem that there could be only so much variation affected by this pernambuco stick, in reality it bears great power. A fine bow is a tool capable of discovering the most intricate nuances and textures of an instrument's sound. If the violin is the palette, the bow is the brush. A fine bow can 'paint' with the finest and lightest as well as the most sweeping, rich strokes.

I have been on the search for a maker who might be able to produce a bow worthy of this instrument. When I eventually met atelier Daniel Schmidt, I knew he was the perfect candidate for this task. We met in Kronberg, Germany where I had the opportunity to try his work. His bows have the ability to draw the finest details and extremes of the instrument, from the lightest spicatto to the most luscious legato.

A number of supporters have been aware that my current bow does not meet the standard of the violin and suggested I continue to fundraise for a fine bow. I would be truly humbled and grateful for any contribution towards commissioning Mr Schmidt to create a bow to match the unique qualities of the Hudelmayer violin.

By supporting this venture, you not only realise a personal vision of mine, but through this bow bring, I trust, joy to many - not only by my hands, but also by the many hands that I hope will play it after me.

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