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 consisting of four French instruments based on 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 work well together. It’s wonderful that we had the opportunity to play these instruments, and I personally felt an immediate connection with this viola.
Thanks to my Vuillaume viola, I was 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 as a quartet, we decided to call it quits in 2023 for various reasons.
I have been playing as a section viola player in the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra since 2016. 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 solo instrument.
I am so grateful to have been able to play this wonderful viola for so long.
