Historic Cello to Begin a New Chapter Supporting Young Musicians
Cherubim Music Trust is delighted to announce that Anne Jordan is generously loaning her beloved cello to a young musician through the Trust’s instrument loan programme.
The cello, which has accompanied Anne through decades of music-making, performances and professional work, will soon begin an exciting new chapter in the hands of a talented young cellist.
Anne’s journey with the instrument began in 1981, when the cello arrived, as she fondly recalls, “in pieces in a plastic bag”. The instrument had previously belonged to a London orchestral cellist whose daughter — a close family friend — wished for the cello to continue its musical life.
A Long Journey
Following a year-long restoration by respected luthier Mike Cairns, the cello became Anne’s companion throughout her musical life. From student years in the UK to performances, recordings and theatre work in Prague’s vibrant music scene during the early 1990s, the instrument travelled with her through an important chapter of her artistic career.
Alongside the cello remains the FC Neuville bow Anne chose herself as a young player after spending hours trying bows at Beares in London.
“I remember my parents sitting there for hours while I tried every bow under £250,” Anne recalls. “They must have been so bored!”
The bow remains with the instrument today and is now valued at around £4000.
Although Anne’s music teacher had hoped she would pursue music professionally, she instead chose to study history at university while continuing to play. After graduating, Anne travelled extensively before eventually settling in Prague, where she met her husband, a violinist. During this period, she performed widely and undertook recording and theatre work within the city’s thriving cultural scene.
After returning to the UK in 1995 to start a family, Anne sadly began experiencing serious problems with her hands and wrists. She was eventually diagnosed with chronic RSI, which brought her playing career to an end.
Since then, the cello has remained largely unplayed, apart from a brief period on loan to a student. With her children choosing violin and piano rather than cello, Anne decided the time had come for the instrument to continue its story with a new generation.
A New Chapter
“Now, rather than leaving the instrument silent, it is time for this cello to open a new chapter for itself,” Anne says.
Cherubim Music Trust is deeply grateful to Anne for her extraordinary generosity and commitment to supporting young musicians.
The Trust hopes to announce the new recipient of the Jordan cello very soon.
The first photograph accompanying this story shows Anne Jordan with her beloved cello many years ago. The second captures renowned violin expert Philip Brown appraising the instrument ahead of its next chapter through Cherubim Music Trust.
About Cherubim Music Trust
Cherubim Music Trust supports talented young musicians by loaning exceptional string instruments and bows to promising performers who may otherwise struggle to access professional-quality instruments.
The Trust currently cares for a growing collection of violins, violas, cellos, bows and harps, helping young artists develop their musical careers through long-term instrument loans and support.
To learn more about Cherubim Music Trust and its work supporting young classical musicians, please visit the Trust’s website or follow Cherubim on Instagram.