For this year’s calendar, The Strad has partnered with the Dutch Musical Instruments Foundation. Established in 1988, it has accumulated one of the largest collections of instruments in Europe, with a total value estimated at over €36 million. More than 400 are stringed instruments, along with 250 bows.

In the past few years, Australia has become a classical music heartland with a number of its orchestras and ensembles achieving world renown. Many of its string players now perform on world-class instruments made by some of the most respected luthiers ever to have lived.

This year’s calendar celebrates the work of Dextra Musica, the Norwegian foundation that has built up a fine collection of historical and contemporary instruments over the past 15 years. All the instruments are in daily use, being loaned out both to top soloists and to up-and-coming young players.

Launched in 1985, the Canada Council’s Musical Instrument Bank celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025. This year’s calendar showcases twelve of the finest instruments it regularly loans to Canadian players, including four by Antonio Stradivari and beautiful works by Montagnana, Tecchler, Pressenda, Vuillaume and two of the Gagliano family.