Cellist Natalie Clein joins Sinfonia Smith Square for a concert celebrating 40 years of The Stradivari Trust facilitating musicians acquiring instruments of the highest calibre

Natalie Clein & her cello whose acquisition was facilitated by The Stradivari Trust
(Photo: Michael Staab)

The Stradivari Trust is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Created in 1985 by Cambridge entrepreneur and philanthropist Nigel Brown, the trust's aim is to help Britain’s finest musicians to acquire instruments of the highest calibre. The inaugural scheme supported violinist Nigel Kennedy in acquiring the ‘La Cathédral’ Stradivari violin, an acquisition that laid the foundations for a model of syndicated ownership that has since become unique in its field. Contributors to each syndicate acquire shares in the instrument which the musicians buy back gradually over a set period, enabling them to eventually own the instrument.

In celebration of this cellist Natalie Clein will join Sinfonia Smith Square, conductor Roger Benedict, on 4 December 2025 at Smith Square Hall for a concert including Schumann's Cello Concerto and the slow movement from Schubert's String Quintet, plus music by Emilie Mayer and Judith Weir.

The concert celebrates not only 40 years of The Stradivari Trust but cellist Natalie Clein’s long association with the organisation as well as her completing her scheme and becoming an alumna of The Stradivari Trust. 

Natalie Clein says, "Thanks to The Stradivari Trust I met the instrument of my life – my soulmate! The cello has accompanied me through the last 25 years of my playing life and has become a deep part of my musical voice. How very lucky I feel that the Trust was able to help me in this way."

Over the past four decades, the Trust has facilitated more than 60 such schemes, with instruments collectively valued in excess of £30 million, benefitting musicians including Steven Isserlis, Lawrence Power, Jennifer Pike and Natalie Clein. In addition, to commemorate the Trust’s founder, the ‘Nigel Brown Fine Instrument Fund’ has been set up which welcomes donations eventually used to acquire certain fine instruments more quickly, before the fundraising has been finalised.

Full details from the Sinfonia Smith Square website.