For pre-approved placements in 

one of the Violin Ensembles please:

(£5 pays for 2 sessions)

Pay £5 

Now

The Story of a Violin

So who was Camillus Camilli and why does PYM's new string teaching project have this odd name?

Around 300 years ago in the 18th century Camillus Camilli was one of the many instrument makers in Northern Italy who made violins, violas and cellos. The instruments which have survived until now are not only handsome to look at but when played have the most glorious sound thanks to the particularly dense quality of the wood of the trees used to make them. Extremely cold winters in the Alps many years earlier had had this effect on the spruce trees used in instrument making and who could have predicted the difference this would make to the sound these instruments could produce when played well. 

Some 300 years later one of these blessed instruments made by Camillus Camilli arrived in London and was bought by a wealthy lady who was looking for a good home for it. She had friends whose son was a promising player and she decided to give it to him as a gift.

This young man loved this special violin and all his life treasured it, making music with family and friends for almost 80 years. His name is Tony Viney, he is quite old now and he cannot play any more. He wanted to do something useful with his Camillus Camilli violin so that other young violinists might learn to play as he did and find the life long pleasure and fun he has had making music with others. 

After much thought, Tony decided to sell his violin and donate the money raised to a musical cause. That cause is the encouragement and teaching of stringed instruments here in  Purbeck where he has lived for most of his life and where he has given so much to the community. We at PYM are most grateful to him as we are now able to support young players as they start out on their musical journey. 

Thank you Tony. Camillus Camilli's name lives on!