History of the Musical Instrument Bank
The Musical Instrument Bank was first proposed by the Canada Council's Arts Advisory Panel in 1975, and was established in 1985 through a $100,000 legacy from the Barwick family of Ottawa. Since then, through a series of generous donations and loans, it has grown to include 15 instruments, valued at over $27 million. These violins, cellos and bows are among some of the most legendary instruments of the world, made by celebrated luthiers such as Stadivari, Gagliano or Pressenda.
Acquisition history
1987
The first instrument, the 1706 Turner-Brott Tecchler cello, was acquired through the fundraising efforts of W.I.M. Turner, then Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Bathurst Inc., and cellist Denis Brott (both of Montreal). The cello is currently on loan to Denis Brott for the duration of his career.
1988
The 1717 Windsor-Weinstein Stradivari violin was donated by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, which received it through donation from Leon Weinstein.
1997
An anonymous donor loaned the 1689 Baumgartner Stradivari and the 1729 Guarneri del Gesù violins.
1998
The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation donated the 1824 McConnell Nicolaus Gagliano cello.
2000
Andrew Shaw of Toronto donated the ca. 1830 Shaw Adam cello bow.
An anonymous donor lent the ca. 1696 Bonjour Stradivari cello, the 1820 Joannes Franciscus Pressenda violin, and the 1902 Enrico Rocca violin.
2002
Justice R.D. Bell of Gananoque, Ontario donated the ca. 1700 Bell Giovanni Tononi violin.
2003
The 1747 Palmason Januarius Gagliano violin was loaned by Pearl Palmason of Toronto. Note: The violin was later gifted to an anonymous donor, who has continued to loan it to the Musical Instrument Bank.
An anonymous donor lent the ca. 1700 Taft Stradivari violin.
2006
The 1715 Dominicus Montagnana violin was lent by an anonymous donor.
2009
The ca. 1767 Joannes Baptista Guadagnini violin was lent by an anonymous donor.
The 1869 Jean Baptiste Vuillaume violon, with a Vuillaume model bow, were lent by Greg Cook of Stouffville, Ontario.