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2 Thursday, January 12, 2017 Sounds of a Stradivarius The Hawaii Performing Arts Festival presents a series of Hawaii Island concerts this year, the first of which features San Diego Symphony concertmaster Jeff Thayer playing a rare 1708 Stradivarius violin, accompanied by pianist Cary Lewis of the Lanier Trio. The duo will perform pieces from the violin/piano repertoire at 6 p.m. today at Hi‘ilani Ecohouse near Honokaa. “This instrument is 309 years old,” explains Thayer. “There are very few of them in existence. That’s why they are so precious, and the craftsmanship is such that everyone in the world is still trying to figure out why these instruments are so good. Is it the wood? The varnish? There is still a lot of mystery surrounding these instruments.” Stradivarius violins, which were created in Cremona, Italy, are known for their purity of sound, their clarity and their ability to project sound to the back corners of big concert halls, explains Thayer. “They are often described as having a silvery tone and a range of color,” he says. “What I have noticed personally is that it is not an easy instrument to play. It’s very particular. Each note requires a different touch, a different way of approaching each note and each string. You need a year or two to get acquainted with it and to get it to respond to its fullest potential.” While the Stradivarius is an amazing, priceless instrument, cultivating and expressing the full potential of its Jan. 12 2017 4. Virtuosos Vignola, Raniolo return to Big Island with four concerts 6. Kindred duet Judy Collins, Ari Hest perform in Honokaa 10. Puzzles Entertain your brain 12. Let’s Go Out Ono grinds CREDITS: Editor David Bock Writers John Burnett Katie Young Yamanaka Photography Hollyn Johnson Design Bonnie L. Rogers Katie Young YAMANAKA Big Island Vibe See CONCERT Page 11 Email your Island Beat announcements to entertainment@hawaiitribune-herald.com Courtesy photo Jeff Thayer will play a rare 1708 Stradivarius violin tonight at Hi‘ilani Ecohouse


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