Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers holds contest for $5,000 bow
Here's a nice little news item, a cool blend of philanthropy, marketing and social media. It's a welcome example of how those in the supposedly elitist, isolated classical music world can reach out and keep up with the times.
It's a deal for aspiring violinists out there -- violinists of any age. With a little uploading and, of course, talent, you could become the proud owner of a carbon fiber violin bow, retail value around $5,000.
The excellent violinist Anne Akiko Meyers is giving away the bow via a contest being held through ...
her Facebook page. Entrants can upload a video of themselves performing (two minutes or less in duration). Meyers will select the winner, based on who she feels is "the best fit for this bow."
The prize is an Arcus Cadenza Gold bow. On her blog, Meyers describes it quite ecstatically:
"I have owned many different violin bows throughout my life, and now play using Tourte and Gold Arcus carbon fiber bows. It is extremely light and spiccato can come out super-clean at [lightning] speed. I used to think that using a heavy stick produced a bigger sound but now I believe it really is quite the opposite. Physically it takes a different skill to handle well but proper technique helps avoid chronic overuse and tendon ... You don’t have to worry about breaking the Arcus either -- I think they say the bow is pretty indestructible!"
Entrants have until Sept. 1 to upload a video. The winner will be announced Sept. 15.
Below is a clip of Meyers playing a sweet version of the Charlie Chaplin classic "Smile," followed by one of the entries submitted so far in her violin bow contest:
