The Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesù” violin was created in 1741. (photo courtesy of the Colburn School)

Colburn Artist Ray Ushikubo has received the loan of the 1741 Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesù” violin, the “Playfair,” from Colin Maki Inc., dealer and consultant in fine and rare string instruments and bows.

The instrument is an outstanding example of the work of Guarneri’s craftsmanship, and was one of fewer than 250 ever crafted, made in Cremona, Italy.  The rich and complex tonal qualities of the instruments crafted by Guarneri “del Gesù” have established him as one of history’s greatest violin makers, revered alongside Stradivari.

Thanks to the loan from Colin Maki Inc., audiences will have the opportunity to experience the “Playfair’s” extraordinary voice brought to life by Ushikubo, a remarkable dual instrumentalist, celebrated for his rare artistry as both a pianist and violinist. This violin will serve as a vital companion to Ushikubo as he embarks on what promises to be a remarkable career.

On Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. in Colburn School’s Zipper Hall, Ushikubo will debut the 1741 Guarneri “Playfair” violin in a performance of Tomaso Antonio Vitali’s “Chaconne in G minor,” Nathan Milstein’s “Paganiniana,” Ernest Chausson’s “Poème” and Maurice Ravels’ “Tzigane.” Tickets are free. The event will also be livestreamed at colburnschool.edu /livestream.

On Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m., Colin Maki Inc. will host Ushikubo’s East Coast debut on the “Playfair” violin in a free event at its New York-based location. The event is invitation-only.

“It’s an extraordinary honor to receive Guarneri’s ‘Playfair’ violin,” Ushikubo said. “To be entrusted with an instrument of such history and beauty is deeply humbling. I’m profoundly grateful to Colin Maki, Inc. for this generous loan, and to the Colburn community for nurturing an environment where young artists can explore, grow and share music at the highest level. I look forward to discovering how this remarkable violin will shape my sound and artistic journey.”

Ushikubo joins a storied lineage of violinists who have performed with Guarneri “del Gesù” instruments, including Jascha Heifetz, Niccolò Paganini, Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman.

The Colburn School is located at 200 S. Grand Ave.