240-year-old violin gifted to 7th grader musician from Tewkesbury

A stranger made a kind donation of his 240-year-old violin to the musical students at Gloucestershire Academy.

For any student at the academy who needed an instrument, Hucclecote resident Trevor Pleass, left his violin. A grade-seven violinist from Tewkesbury named Natasha has now received the two century old musical instrument.

Natasha expressed her delight upon receiving the antique musical instrument saying, “I am over the moon.”

“Playing violin is my life,” said the young violinist. She had been playing violin for nine years.

Natasha is set to perform with her new instrument for the first time at St Barnabas’ Church on June 17 along with the Gloucestershire Symphony.

In an interview with BBC, Natasha’s dad said that his daughter was ready and looking forward to it. He added, “I am very proud of my daughter.”

Natasha’s dad, Glen, said that his daughter’s engagement at the academy made her deserving of the instrument.

Mr Pleass’ daughters Sue Johnson and Jackie Rodgers presented the young musician with the antique violin.

Mr. Pleass played at the Symphony orchestra for more than 25 years had received this violin from her father. The violin features a distinctive lion’s head scroll and was played by him until he turned the old age of 93.

Mr. Pleass died at the age of 96, Ms Johnson said, “It was lovely to see Dad’s violin in young Natasha’s hands.

Natasha expressed her aspirations of joining the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and continuing playing violin after completing her A-level.