UD demonstrates commitment to excellence in arts

2:40 p.m., Nov. 5, 2003--When a university purchases advanced scientific equipment, the transaction goes unnoticed. After all, every major research institution must have top-of-the-line instruments for its chemists, engineers and marine biologists.

But, when a decision is made to spend more than a quarter of a million dollars on a 200-year-old violin, people pause and take notice.

During the summer, the University of Delaware demonstrated—with the acquisition of a violin by master Italian maker G.B. Ceruti—its commitment to excellence in the arts.

Xiang Gao, 30, an assistant professor of music at UD and an internationally recognized soloist, is the main beneficiary of the University’s acquisition, since he will perform on the instrument believed to have been made between 1787 and 1810.

Since his arrival at the University in 2001, Gao has balanced his teaching and recruiting responsibilities with a demanding concert schedule, performing throughout the U.S., South America and Europe and in his native Asia.

Gao began playing the violin at age 8. His impressive resume includes studies at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, solo performances before President George H. Bush and Chinese President Xian-nian, and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan. A reviewer in The New York Times described the violinist as “a rare and soulful virtuoso.”

Visit special web site

Click here for a special web site devoted to the new violin, including pictures and video of Xiang Gao in performance with the Ceruti.

Gao auditioned 35 instruments before recommending purchase of the Ceruti. He said the high notes of most violins project easily throughout concert halls, but the lower tones are not heard as well and are usually a problem.

“The sound of this instrument is beautiful,” Gao said, “especially in the lower register. As a soloist, it’s important for the instrument to carry its sound in modern concert halls, and you need to project to the top of the balcony.”

Gao described the Ceruti as “not only a player‘s violin but also a collector’s one.”

According to University Provost Dan Rich, “The University is committed to providing our faculty with the equipment and facilities they need to continue to excel. This commitment is as important to fulfill in the arts as it is in the sciences.

“Having the right tools is essential to the success of faculty in all fields,” he added. “The availability of fine instruments for the faculty in music is as important as well-equipped and up-to-date laboratories for the faculty in chemistry or the biological sciences. However, unlike specialized scientific instruments such as chromatographs and spectrometers, the history of fine violins is that they appreciate in value over time and with use by outstanding musicians. Confirmation of this is the fact that the purchase agreement includes a favorable repurchase clause.”

The Ceruti, which was purchased for $280,000 from Chicago’s Bein & Fushi Inc., one of the world’s premier violin dealers and restorers, currently is insured for $325,000.

“Many soloists, especially established soloists,” Gao said, “would play on a fine instrument like this.” He said some of his colleagues on the concert stage have instruments worth millions of dollars.

Gao’s reaction when he discovered the Ceruti would be available for his use was not surprising.

“When I learned of the University’s willingness to become a violin owner, I called everyone,” he said, smiling. “It was hard to sleep because it was a dream come true. I had the passion, the technique, the training and the experience, but I still needed the voice.”

The Ceruti has become Gao’s voice.

Gao said there is something “extraordinary” about performing on an artwork that was made at the same time that many of the world’s musical masterpieces were composed. He said the violin, first played hundreds of years ago, speaks to him of the “human spirit, the touch of history.”

“I also enjoy the connection between the 18th and 19th centuries,” Gao said, “when classical music was the number one form of entertainment in the world and an incredible art form.”

Gao said he is particularly excited that he will be able to use the new violin when he produces a DVD of The Butterfly Lovers, a Chinese concerto. He said the multicultural project will feature Chinese music played on an Italian violin by a Chinese-American artist. The first public concert featuring Gao and the Ceruti is planned for Feb. 27, 2004, at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington. UD Department of Music pianist Julie Nishimura will accompany the violinist. While the program has not been finalized, Gao said it will feature works written throughout the life of the violin—from the 19th to the 21st century. Details on the concert will be available on UDaily at [www.edul.edu/udaily].

In January 2005, Gao and his wife, Renee Dong, an instructor in UD’s Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, will lead a study-abroad trip to China, where several concerts are planned.

Xiang Gao, an assistant professor of music at UD and an internationally recognized soloist, performs on the Ceruti violin, believed to have been made between 1787 and 1810.

Rich said the University’s violin will benefit the soloist, as well as his students, audiences and the University.

“We’re very fortunate to have Prof. Gao on our faculty,” Rich said, “and we’re pleased to provide the instrument he needs to continue to excel. His continuing achievements enrich the quality and recognition of the University of Delaware.”

“I think the University will be very happy with this instrument,” Gao said. “Its acquisition shows the audience, the faculty and students that we at the University of Delaware have much passion for music and the arts.”

Article by Ed Okonowicz ’69 ’84
Photos by Eric Crossan

E-mail this article

To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here.