In a heartwarming twist of fate, music teacher Marion Fleetwood from Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, rediscovered an 18th-century viola she played as a teenager—thanks to one of her students.
The realization came when her pupil, Elisabeth, opened the viola’s case and began to play, instantly striking a chord with Ms. Fleetwood.
The instrument, loaned to both Marion and Elisabeth by the Denne Gilkes Memorial Fund, has been part of the charity’s long-standing mission to support young musicians.
Established in the 1970s, the fund has provided scholarships and lent instruments to over 600 students, giving many the chance to hone their talents on instruments they otherwise wouldn’t have access to.
Ms. Fleetwood, who played the viola at 15 for three years, recounted the significance of being entrusted with the precious instrument. “I had been given it to advance my playing because I’d shown promise apparently,” she recalled.
The fondness she had for the instrument came rushing back as soon as Elisabeth played the C string. “I suddenly remembered she was my baby and I looked after her because she wasn’t mine… It is a bit of a love affair.”
Elisabeth expressed her gratitude for playing such a meaningful instrument.
“Every time I pick it up, I think about who’s played it,” she said, acknowledging the history behind the viola.
The charity was established in honor of Denne Gilkes, a former voice coach for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Its chairman, Tim Raistrick, emphasized the fund’s importance in helping aspiring musicians and actors.
“Without that, some might have given up. It just gives them a spur on,” he explained.
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