My name is Rosalinde Kluck. It was in 2009 that I first held the 1867 Vuillaume viola in my hands. In 2008, the Musical Instrument Fund had assembled a string quartet of four French instruments through sound tests and was looking for a permanent string quartet to play them.
At that time, my string quartet—the EnAccord String Quartet—was in great need of high-quality instruments that would blend well together. It’s wonderful that we were given the opportunity to play these instruments, and I personally felt an immediate connection with this viola.
Thanks to the Vuillaume viola, I’ve been able to do many wonderful things with my quartet. We gave concerts both at home and abroad and recorded two CDs: “Capriccio” (2018) and “Visions” (2021). After 25 years of playing in a quartet, we decided to disband in 2023 for various reasons.
Since 2016, I have been playing as a section viola player in the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. Here, too, this beautiful Vuillaume is a fantastic addition to the ensemble. Both within and outside the orchestra, I enjoy playing in various chamber music ensembles where the instrument can still shine as a soloist.
I am deeply grateful to have been able to play this wonderful viola for so long.
