The sound of Antonio Stradivari’s “Vesuvio” violin, ca. 1727, captivated the audience at the Seokjojeon Hall of Deoksugung Palace in Seoul during the opening concert of the major international event that, from October 31 to November 21, celebrated Cremonese violin making — recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity — marking the conclusion of the Italy–Korea Year of Cultural Exchange 2024–2025.

Before an audience of institutional authorities, diplomats, scholars, and representatives of the Korean cultural world, the internationally acclaimed violinist Ji-Young Lim, winner of the 2015 Queen Elisabeth Competition, paid tribute to violin virtuosity between the 18th and 19th centuries with a program featuring Tartini, Grieg, and Paganini — bringing the precious Stradivari Vesuvio to life in an atmosphere of rare enchantment.

The concert — which will be repeated on November 20 to close the celebrations — was preceded by the opening of a prestigious international exhibition of historical musical instruments in one of the halls of Deoksugung Palace, the historic royal residence in Seoul.

In what is today regarded as one of the symbolic sites of Korean culture, an entire room has been dedicated to Cremona, guiding visitors through the story of its violin-making tradition, Stradivari’s artistry, the history of the “Vesuvio”, and the extraordinary heritage of artifacts from the master’s workshop.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the concert, alongside Italy’s Ambassador to Seoul, Emilia Gatto, were Andrea Virgilio, Mayor of Cremona; Rodolfo Bona, Councillor for Culture; Virginia Villa, Director of the Museo del Violino; Riccardo Angeloni, Curator; Prof. Marco Malagodi and Prof. Tomaso Vecchi, Vice Rector for Institutional Affairs of the University of Pavia.

“The arrival of the Vesuvio violin is a great honor for us and represents a prestigious conclusion to the Year of Cultural Exchange between Italy and Korea,” stated Ambassador Emilia Gatto. “This initiative holds extraordinary symbolic value, bearing witness to the vitality and depth of the cultural collaboration between our two countries, united by a shared passion for art, music, and science.
Over these two years, the Italian System in Korea — particularly the Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Seoul — has worked closely with Korean institutions to enhance our shared cultural heritage and further strengthen already excellent relations. The exhibition and concert dedicated to Stradivari, hosted in the evocative setting of Deoksugung Palace, will offer the Korean public a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of artistic and musical exchanges between Italy and Korea.
The exhibition is also the result of a path of scientific cooperation which, thanks to the contribution of prestigious academic institutions such as the University of Pavia, is taking root in the field of applied sciences for cultural heritage and restoration. In this context, Cremona — city of Italian violin making and linked by a friendship agreement with Goryeong, homeland of the gayageum — confirms its role as a bridge between Italian craftsmanship and Korean musical traditions, underscoring the strategic role of cities in deepening cooperation between our countries.”

“What we experienced in Seoul,” added Cremona’s Mayor Andrea Virgilio, “is more than an artistic success: culture is a real bridge of relationships between communities and institutions. The sound of Stradivari’s ‘Vesuvio’ in Seokjojeon Hall brought Cremona back to the center of the international stage, enhancing a tangible and intangible heritage that defines us.
We have strengthened ties with Korean institutions around music and UNESCO-recognized violin making, which we will translate into action: university exchanges, projects with the Museo del Violino, research on materials and acoustics, and training. These relationships also reinforce our production sectors — agri-food, dairy, innovation, and tourism — generating development and employment. My thanks go to the Italian Embassy in Seoul, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korean authorities, our partners — the Museo del Violino and the University of Pavia — and to Cremona’s Department of Culture and Tourism. We will continue on this path.”

“For our city,” said Councillor for Culture Rodolfo Bona, “this presence in Seoul carries great cultural and economic significance, strengthening relations and cooperation between Italy and South Korea. Here in beautiful Seoul, we have showcased institutions of great prestige and excellence, representing both the history of violin-making craftsmanship — of which Cremona is a global symbol — and the future of research in conservation and restoration. This is the result of a virtuous collaboration between public institutions, the Museo del Violino Foundation, and the University of Pavia. Together, we will continue to reinforce the network of excellence in Cremona, within the safeguarding plan for Cremonese violin making, established after its 2013 UNESCO recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, to protect and promote the art of violin making through historical research, training, dialogue among stakeholders, and the enhancement of both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the craft.”

The initiative was part of the “Project of Great Relevance 2024”, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, involving the University of Pavia and the Korea National University of Heritage. The project focused on advanced diagnostics and conservation of historical musical instruments and textiles belonging to Italian and Korean heritage, through a multidisciplinary scientific approach.

Cremona’s presence in South Korea represented a new cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, strengthening ties with Seoul and offering an international showcase not only for Cremonese violin making — with its unique ecosystem of master luthiers, musicians, universities, museums, and research centers — but also for the city’s broader cultural and economic fabric.

A highlight in terms of promotion was the visit to High Street Italia in Seoul, the permanent showroom dedicated to Made in Italy, where Cremona will play a leading role during the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World. In this prestigious setting, the city will promote its renowned dairy sector, businesses, and local excellence as part of a project organized by ICE and ASSOLATTE to support the candidacy of Italian cuisine for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status and to showcase the excellence of Italian production to the world.

The “Vesuvio” Violin – Antonio Stradivari, ca. 1727

Museo del Violino, Cremona

Crafted around 1727 by the legendary luthier Antonio Stradivari, the “Vesuvio” violin is one of the most fascinating instruments from his mature period. Its name — inspired by the deep red hue of its varnish — evokes the warmth and power of the famous Italian volcano, a nickname traditionally attributed to the violinist Jan Hambourg, one of its first renowned performers.

Although documented records date back only about 150 years, the instrument has traveled the world and passed through illustrious hands. Purchased in 1919 by the renowned London firm W.E. Hill & Sons, the violin belonged to Australian physicist and explorer Florence Martin, who had inherited it from her father, Sir James Martin, three-time Premier of New South Wales.

Throughout the 20th century, the “Vesuvio” was played by leading international soloists — from Jan Hambourg to the Spanish violinist Antonio Brosa, and later by Remo Lauricella, the distinguished Anglo-Italian violinist who served for years as concertmaster of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Stradivari “Vesuvio” graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages — notably Carnegie Hall in New York, for the world premiere of Benjamin Britten’s Violin Concerto, Op. 15, on March 28, 1940, performed by Brosa with the New York Philharmonic under John Barbirolli.

In 2003, the “Vesuvio” was donated to the city of Cremona by Remo Lauricella. Today, it is preserved and displayed at the Museo del Violino, where it continues to tell — without need for words — a story of talent, tradition, and beauty.