Overview

In 2022 I’ll begin a search for my next violin – a search for a new musical voice.  I’ll be learning how to look for an instrument by documenting and sharing the process, taking composers and audience members on board, who are going to help me reflect on what I find along the way.  This will result in newly commissioned works centered around the connection between violinist and violin, which we will create together.  These works will be premiered on my next violin in 2023.

The Project – Voices of the Violin

After 9 years of playing on my beloved Gagliano violin, its owner suddenly needed it back. Over the years I had developed such a close bond with the violin, and although initially I was devastated, I wanted to study how instrument and player are connected. Voices of the Violin will explore how player and instrument work together, how the character of a violin itself affects our musical perceptions.

Throughout my search, I will document the violins I play upon through written journals and recordings.  These will be shared with audience members, colleagues, and composers, who will reflect on my findings with me.  

I want to share this research and reflect with my audience, so that together we can examine the very personal bond that forms between a violinist and a violin.  Our reflections will serve as the basis for articles, which can help other musicians on a similar search.  I hope that by sharing in this way, other musicians will find their voice more easily.  Finally, I will work together with audience members and composers to create new pieces, pieces that show the character of the violin itself, rather than the personality of the violinist.

The pieces will be premiered in the fall of 2023 in a series of concerts throughout The Netherlands. Video recordings of the works will also be released at the same time.

To find out more about the project, including how you can participate, please contact me at pugliajoe@hotmail.com