Collection of historical string instruments

The OeNB collection of historical string instruments makes an important contribution to preserving Europe’s shared cultural heritage and serves as a resonant expression of the OeNB’s commitment to Austria as a nation of music.

Sound that travels the world: the OeNB’s string instruments

The collection of historical string instruments was established in 1989 with the acquisition of three instruments, marking the issue of the Austrian gold bullion coin named “Vienna Philharmonic”. Meanwhile, the collection has grown to encompass 46 rare instruments, among them nine violins crafted by Antonio Stradivari, two violins made by Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù and one violin created by the preeminent Tyrolean violinmaker Jacob Stainer. Rather than keeping these instruments in storage, the OeNB makes them available to Austrian musicians on a loan basis free of charge. Over the years, many musicians have been able to pursue international careers thanks, in part, to this support. Members of leading Austrian orchestras and chamber music ensembles, as well as numerous soloists, perform on instruments from the collection. The instruments are here not only at the renowned Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert. Through the international concert activities of the musicians who play them, they reach audiences in concert halls around the world, thereby contributing to Austria’s reputation as a nation of music.

String instruments in pictures and sound

In this video, you can experience the unique sounds of the historical instruments. Curator Chiara Galbusera shares fascinating insights into the collection and its history.
 

Recordings featuring the historical string instruments

Related links

Overview of violin makers

Overview of violins

Overview of violas

Overview of cellos

Applying for an instrument loan

Eligibility criteria for instrument loans

Through its collection of historical string instruments, the OeNB seeks to support Austria’s musical landscape. Outstanding musicians are invited to apply at any time for the loan of an instrument from the collection. Applications may be submitted only for a category of instrument (violin, viola or cello). Applications for one specific instrument cannot be considered. On the recommendation of an advisory panel, the OeNB’s Governing Board decides on the allocation of instruments up to twice a year.

To be eligible for an instrument loan, you must meet the following requirements: 

General requirements

  • Your principal place of residence is in Austria.
  • You generally hold an Austrian citizenship or, if you hold another nationality, you: 
    • have your professional and artistic centre of activity in Austria,
    • have completed a master’s degree programme in Austria, and
    • have resided continuously in Austria for at least five years. 

In addition, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • You are a member of one of Austria’s leading orchestras.
  • You perform with a distinguished chamber music ensemble.
  • You are an established soloist.

Application process and contact

To apply for an instrument category, please submit the following documents in PDF format (max. 10 MB) by e-mail to streichinstrumente@oenb.at:

  • curriculum vitae, including place and date of birth
  • overview of your concert activities during the past three years
  • overview of planned concert activities, where known
  • up to three video or audio recordings submitted as links (e.g. YouTube, SoundCloud or your personal website)

Applicants will be notified by e-mail of the OeNB Governing Board’s decision. If an application is successful, the OeNB will offer the applicant a written loan agreement for a string instrument.

There is no legal entitlement to the loan of a string instrument on loan. Furthermore, applicants shall have no legal claim whatsoever against the OeNB arising from the rejection of their application or from the assessment of their application by the OeNB or the advisory panel.

The OeNB reserves the right, at its sole discretion and without prior notice, to amend or supplement the criteria for the allocation of string instruments, or to discontinue the allocation process altogether.

Contact

Dott.ssa mag. Chiara Galbusera
+43 1 40420 6671 Send E-Mail