stentornews

Mel Draisey, the violinist from successful band, 'The Clientele', recently approached Stentor to talk about violas. While working on their last album, Mel found she detuned her violin for some songs to achieve lower notes and she thought about exploring the sound of the viola.

Mel visited Stentor to look at our violas and fell in love with the luscious sound of a Stentor Arcadia viola. She is now enjoying its rich sound and will be playing her Arcadia viola at their next gig in London in November and on their US tour in February.

The Clientele are well-known in the UK and are enjoying success in the United States, where they are signed to Merge Records. Their new album 'Bonfires on the Heath' is just out in the US and due for release in the UK on 30th November.

Mel is pictured playing her Stentor Arcadia viola.

'This is exactly the sound I
was looking for.' (Mel Draisey)

The London International Music Show 2009 (LIMS), one of the biggest music-making shows in the world, saw the launch of the new 200 page Stentor trade catalogue and the presentation of Stentor instruments to Gallions Primary School, where every pupil from 6-11 learns to play a violin or cello, using Stentor instruments. (see full story here) [make this link to the item on Stentor Children page]

On the Stentor stand, the full range of Stentor instruments was on display, including the new Stentor Graduate, an excellent violin outfit featuring a new shaded satin finish. This was another successful show for Stentor with a constant stream of trade members, teachers, musicians and would-be players visiting the stand.

At the 2008 Music Industries Association Awards, Stentor won the Best Bowed Instrument Award, sponsored by Classic FM, for the Stentor Student II Violin Outfit.

Michael Doughty, Managing Director of Stentor commented: "We are delighted to win this award for the 21st time. It recognizes the Student II for its superb value, quality and reliability, as do most teachers and music services in the UK."

The Music Industries Association (MIA) is the UK trade association of the musical products industry. These awards are voted for by UK retailers and are awarded to reliable, top selling products, innovative retail initiatives, well-regarded suppliers and outstanding individual contributions.

Stentor instruments are helping young people to experience string playing at first hand. The London Philharmonic Orchestra runs Have-a-Go sessions after its family concerts at the South Bank, London and Stentor is delighted to have loaned the instruments for this opportunity. Enthusiastic children, the youngest only two years old, queue up after every concert to 'have a go' on a Stentor violin, cello or double bass, often for the very first time. Tutors offer advice on how to hold and play the instrument and answer questions.

The LPO is developing future audiences by bringing the next generation to concerts and giving them direct contact with classical music. Stentor is proud to be a part of this project.

Stentor Violas help NCO Project

The National Children's Orchestra (NCO) is a major youth orchestra responsible for training and encouraging the orchestral players of the future. The dwindling number of viola players joining the orchestra has given great concern and in response the NCO has launched its latest initiative to recruit young viola players at this year's summer school. Stentor is pleased to have supported the NCO by loaning a number of small size Stentor violas to this worthwhile Viola Project.

During the week's course, over 30 young violinists were given introduced to the viola and given dedicated viola tuition. At the end of the week they performed on Stentor violas in a concert and experienced playing the viola in a full orchestral environment. It is hoped that many will become viola players in the NCO and other orchestras through this practical training.

Messina, Elysia and Arcadia Cellos
"These are terrific cellos, with excellent tonal response and a good warm, focused sound. They offer great flexibility and ease of playing. The choice of wood and standard of finish also make them a pleasure to look at." (The Arcadia cello) - "...has a lovely resonance which flows out under the bow"

Elysia 'English' Model Cello
"An outstanding instrument. So comfortable to play - I just keep picking it up." "An obvious choice for the more slightly built cellist."

1586 Conservatoire
"This cello has a very good sound"

1108 Stentor Student II Cello
"An excellent student starter instrument"

Stentor Student Cello Bows
"The standard of workmanship is excellent - they offer amazing quality for the price"

For more information on any of these cellos, please email:
info@stentor-music.com