Musical Instrument Bank

The prize

Every three years, talented professional classical musicians from Canada compete for a chance to borrow one of the more than 20 legendary instruments from the Canada Council’s MIB.

Background

The MIB was established in 1985 with a $100,000 bequest from the Barwick family and through the fundraising efforts of the late William Turner, a businessman, and Denis Brott, a cellist, both from Montréal. It enables established soloists and chamber musicians, as well as musicians on the threshold of an international career, to give concerts around the world and to record pieces with MIB instruments over the entire length of the loan.

The MIB includes more than 20 magnificent instruments worth a total of approximately $50 million. The violins, cellos and bows, created by such master craftsmen as Stradivari, Gagliano and Pressenda, have been donated or lent to the MIB since it was created in 1985.

Ric Heinl and his team of luthiers at Geo. Heinl & Co. Limited are responsible for restoring and maintaining the instruments.