A 1724 Claude Pierray Violin Joins the Talents & Violon’celles Collection Thanks to a Philanthropic Endeavor
Updated: Oct 1
A story of passion, local roots in Marseille, and intergenerational transmission: thanks to the patronage of a dedicated patron, a distinguished 18th-century Parisian violin finds its home within our instrument fund and now makes its timbre resonate in the hands of violinist Apolline Kirklar.
From the Desire to Pass On to a Beautiful Encounter
Now retired and entirely devoted to her mother — who suffers from a neurodegenerative disease —, a passionate music lover spent her career in engineering and management coaching in Marseille. Also a violin player herself, she wanted to give meaning to her savings by acquiring an exceptional instrument intended to be played and shared.
Guided by her luthier in Marseille, Camille Hommel, she contacted Elena Esper, General Delegate of Talents & Violon’celles. The objective: to identify an old instrument whose acoustic and patrimonial qualities would meet the rigorous standards required to support young virtuosos, while remaining within a reasonable budget.
The opportunity did not take long to arrive: the following week, informed by a luthier on the Rue de Rome in Paris, Raphaël Pidoux notified the donor of the sale of a rare piece matching her expectations precisely.
A Masterpiece of Parisian Luthier Art from 1724
Expertised by Jean-Jacques Rampal, this instrument bears the label of Claude Pierray (Paris, 1724) — an essential master of 18th-century French lutherie — as well as a repair signature by Parizot in Nantes in 1786.
The instrument is distinguished by:
A two-piece back of maple with small, fairly straight and vivid flames,
A two-piece top of spruce with fine and regular pores,
A superb varnish of a warm golden-yellow color.
Tested in Marseille and validated for its exceptional acoustic qualities with the assistance of a violin professor from the Marseille Conservatory, the violin was immediately adopted by the patron.
From secular heritage to today's stages
The patron deeply wished for her instrument to be entrusted to a rising talent rooted in her region, so that she could follow its new life on stage. This is how the connection naturally formed with Apolline Kirklar, a violinist recently appointed as first violin in the Marseille Opera Orchestra.
After successful trials in a solo setting and within the orchestra section, Apolline Kirklar officially took possession of the Claude Pierray violin last June.
« Knowing that this violin will resonate close to home, but also travel to more distant stages as concerts unfold, brings immense emotion. It is a wonderful human and musical adventure. » The patron
A dreamed next step for this beautiful story: the idea of a very intimate recital at the home of the patron's mother. As she can no longer travel, this music lover would thus have the joy of listening, right at home, to the vibrant voice of this magnificent Claude Pierray.
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