Arts Global

St John	St Mark	St Matthew	St Luke

"No dents!" Laurent Marfaing remembers noticing when he was first presented with St Matthew in April 2008. The description was perhaps fitting, as the viola had been "sleeping", completely unheard, for at least 35 years. St Matthew is a member of The Evangelists, a string quartet unique to the world in that it represents the only matched set made by a master maker with wood from the same tree. Remarks Foundation Director Heather de Haes, "Each instrument is outstanding in its own right, but when heard as a group their collective sound assumes an extraordinary beauty and radiant energy."

Built in Paris, 1863, by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, The Evangelists (comprised of St John and St Mark violins, St Matthew viola and St Luke cello) were acquired by the Swiss Global Foundation in April 2008 and summarily loaned to the Paris-based Modigliani Quartet, of which Laurent Marfaing is violist. The loan to Modigliani for a period of two years represented the Foundation's ongoing commitment to help young artists attain the highest levels of musical performance and professional advancement.

Visit the News Archive from April 2008 to learn more about the acquisition of the instruments.