1824 McConnell Nicolaus Gagliano II cello
The cello was made by Nicolo Gagliano, whose family played an important part in the art of Italian violin-making. Over twenty members of this family are known to have worked in Naples from the end of the seventeeth century up until recent times.
The instrument has a two piece back of poplar that was cut on the slab and displays a lovely irregular figure. The ribs are made of a matching material and the scroll is made of maple, also with an irregular figure. The two piece top is made of pine cut on the slab and the varnish is a rich golden brown colour.
Donor: The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation
Acquired: 2000
Past winners:
1999 - 2000 Denise Djokic (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
2000 - 2003 Roman Borys (Toronto, Ontario)
2003 - 2006 Benoît Loiselle (Québec, Québec)
2006 - 2009 Rachel Mercer (Oakville, Ontario)
2009 - 2012 Chloé Dominguez (Montréal, Quebec)
2012 - 2015 Se-Doo Park
2015 - 2018 Se-Doo Park
2018 - 2022 Grace Sohn
The Power of a Donation
The Canada Council Musical Instrument Bank consists of exceptional instruments donated or loaned by both individuals and foundations. These contributions empower the next generation of Canada’s major classical musicians to further their creative development and reach a new level in their careers, while also giving audiences around the world the opportunity to hear remarkable instruments at play.
“Winning the Canada Council Instrument Bank competition to play on the historic Bonjour Stradivarius cello was one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences I’ve had as a musician. The Bonjour Strad allowed me to stretch, explore and deepen my expression as a musician, all the while opening many different doors for my musical career.”
— Soo Bae: winner from 2006 to 2009
“During those three years, I played, recorded and connected to new musical partners more than ever before. The cello gave me the confidence to reach out and surpass any boundaries I had previously had. I am forever grateful to the Instrument Bank and the donor of the 1696 Bonjour Stradivarius.”
— Rachel Mercer: winner from 2006 to 2009, from 2012 to 2015 and from 2015 to 2018
“Having the opportunity to perform on this extraordinary violin had a huge impact on both me and my career. The wonderful qualities of the violin allowed me to explore my playing and take it to new heights and greater depths. The instrument’s notoriety also helped open doors for my career, as it brought outside attention and validation to me as an artist.”
— Renée-Paule Gauthier: winner from 2009 to 2012