''Many musicians, including the string players of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, carry precious keepsakes in their instrument cases.
Tucked safely alongside precious violins, violas, cellos and basses are photos of loved ones, sentimental cards and gifts, and other interesting bits and pieces that keep them company while they are away from home.
Each time the musicians open their cases, they see warm reminders of days gone by with the people they love, and feel buoyed for the performances ahead.
ACO Principal Violin Helena Rathbone shares the many beautiful drawings, keepsakes and items that accompany her on the road.
1. Silk cover handmade in India
“It’s a bit dirty now, but it’s old! Not as old as the violin…”
2. Cleaning cloths
“For cleaning the strings. And a bit of old chamois leather in case I want to take the shoulder rest off and just use this, to stop the violin slipping.”
3. Rosin, strings and other essentials
No violin case is complete without spare strings, a spare bow and, of course, rosin!
4. Drawings and cards from Helena’s sons Jack and Sam
Helena’s sons’ drawings of flowers and creatures are in the case with her violin. “Along with a very beautiful drawing that one of the ACO Emerging Artists did for me.” There are gorgeous flowers, family portraits and a very cute worm!
5. A beermat from fellow ACO Violin, Liisa Pallandi
“This is one of my favorites! Something that Liisa Pallandi gave me after she went to a brewery in Camden, in London.” A “Hello Hels!” beermat.
6. Origami crane
Helena tells the incredibly moving story of Jessye, the daughter of her great friend, who died from cancer and who made beautiful origami cranes for her loved ones before she passed away.
7. An Apple AirTag
“So that I know where my violin is at all times!”
8 Silver violin on a chain
“I had it when I was a teenager,” Helena says. She carries it around for “sentimental reasons.”
9. Other essentials, including spare set of mutes for Richard Tognetti
Helena carries a tool to tighten the screws on her shoulder rest, as well as a spare bridge and several mutes. “A rubber mute, and a leather mute, in case Richard forgets one and I have to lend him one!”
Beautiful.
Visit aco.com.au to discover what concerts Stefanie Farrands and the ACO have coming up.
