Image of a cello, the 1824 McConnell Nicolaus Gagliano II cello

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

Instruments and current winners

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.