British violinist Anthony Marwood has been announced as the next custodian of the c.1709 ‘Scotta’ Stradivari violin, one of the masterpieces of Antonio Stradivari’s Golden Period, now held in trust by South Australian arts centre UKARIA.

The instrument was gifted earlier this year to UKARIA by an anonymous Australian patron. It carries a distinguished provenance, having been played by artists including Danish violinist Frida Scotta, Barbara Kempner and, most recently, Finnish virtuoso Pekka Kuusisto.

The c.1709 ‘Scotta’ Stradivari – Photo © Tarisio Fine Instruments and Bows

The violin is distinguished by its broad shape, single-piece flamed maple back and lustrous red varnish. Dendrochronology has linked its soundboard to the same tree used for several of Stradivari’s most celebrated instruments, including the ‘La Pucelle’ and ‘Viotti’ violins.

Marwood has enjoyed a long association with UKARIA since his debut there in 2017. He described the honour of taking on the instrument as “especially meaningful and moving”.

“The first notes I played on the Scotta jolted me with thrilling and electric energy,” Marwood said. “It’s clear this new companion is a great and inspiring facilitator – I can hardly believe what it is capable of.”

“Not only does it have undeniable power – but what it can produce in whispering, in vulnerability, and with colours, is remarkable. The greater the instrument, the more potential there is for you to become your best self as a player. I feel so lucky to have this door opened for me.”

Anthony Marwood. Photo © Felix van Dijk

The violin’s name derives from Frida Scotta, who first acquired it in the 1890s after winning the Premier Prix at the Paris Conservatory. Over the next century, it passed through the hands of distinguished musicians and institutions, including Marlboro Music School in the United States, before arriving in Australia.

Marwood will introduce the ‘Scotta’ Stradivari to Australian audiences at UKARIA on 14 September, in a concert with accordionist James Crabb, double bassist Rohan Dasika and musicians from the Australian National Academy of Music.