1902 Enrico Rocca violin
Enrico Rocca made this violin in 1902 at the zenith of his career. Rocca was born in Turin in 1847, and later lived and worked in Genoa. He studied with his father Giuseppe, who died in 1865 when Enrico was 17. Rocca’s early violin models are nearly identical to his father’s final Stradivari model, that of the ‘Messiah.’ He also finished some of his father’s instruments following the latter’s death, but struggled to establish himself as a maker and instead worked as a carpenter and day laborer in Genoa's shipyards. He finally returned to violin making some fifteen years later, and opened his own workshop in 1880.
The instrument’s two-piece back displays lovely irregular figure, descending from the centre joint. The ribs and scroll are of matching material. The two-piece top is of narrow grain, widening slightly at the flanks. The varnish of light orange-brown over amber displays craquelure throughout. The maker has blackened the chamfers of the scroll and rib corners.
Donor: Anonymous loan
Acquired: 2000
Listen to the 1902 Enrico Rocca violin
Past winners:
2000 - 2003 Julie-Anne Derome (Montréal, Québec)
2003 - 2006 Kerry DuWors (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)
2006 - 2009 Caroline Chéhadé (New York, New York)
2009 - 2012 Jing Wang (Houston, Texas)
2012 - 2015 Kerry DuWors (Brandon, Manitoba)
2015 - 2018 Jeremy James Potts
2018 - 2022 Amy Hillis
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