Shkolnikova Academy · An instrument’s story
Nelli Shkolnikova
Guarneri del Gesù Violin
A remarkable instrument, a story of rediscovery, and a new chapter in the art of violin making.
A Violin Rediscovered
Following her victory at the Jacques Thibaud International Competition in 1953, Nelli Shkolnikova acquired the instrument as a Guarneri del Gesù. After her escape to the West, however, she was told that it was not authentic. Its identity remained in doubt for decades.
After her passing in 2010, violin expert Peter Biddulph undertook a meticulous re-examination. He concluded that the instrument was an authentic Guarneri del Gesù and suggested that it might be the final violin completed by the celebrated Cremonese maker.
Craftsmanship at the Academy
In 2026, master luthiers Roland Houël and Joël Klepal created a faithful copy of Shkolnikova’s violin on site at the Academy.
Working in front of students and visitors over ten days, they offered a rare opportunity to observe the skill, patience, and artistry involved in making a violin. The project brought the traditions of violin making into the daily life of the Academy, deepening the connection between musicians and their instruments.
After the Academy, the copy entered the next stage of its development: careful varnishing in preparation for its return in 2027.
At the 2027 Academy
Try It.
Hear Them Side by Side.
Roland Houël and Joël Klepal will return to the 2027 Shkolnikova Academy, bringing the completed, varnished copy of Nelli Shkolnikova’s violin.
Students will have the opportunity to try the new instrument and hear it side by side with the original Guarneri del Gesù—an exceptional chance to explore the sound and character of both violins.
The luthiers will also be on site to offer students advice and help with their own instruments, bringing their expertise into the everyday musical life of the Academy.