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Staff Pick: The Art of Stradivari

Close-up photo of violin.
iStock.com / Voyagerix

Antonio Stradivari created instruments that have given the world their unique and rich sounds for hundreds of years. Author Tony Faber joined us to talk about Stradivari’s enduring work. This episode was picked by KUER’s newsroom managing editor Elaine Clark. 

RadioWest divider.

Antonio Stradivari created instruments that have given the world their unique and rich sounds for hundreds of years. Author Tony Faber joins us to talk about Stradivari’s enduring work. Also on the program is Utah Symphony Concert Master Ralph Matson, playing a 1702 Lord Borwick Stradivarius, and the late Peter Prier of Peter Prier and Sons Violins.

Here’s what long-time RadioWest producer Elaine Clark has to say about the episode:

Doug has some pretty innovative ideas for the show, and they’re not always easy to pull off. I’ve had to find things like a coffin, a faberge egg, and a grand piano. All on deadline. When we scheduled the author of a book about Antonio Stradivari’s craft and six of his instruments, Doug said, “You know what would be cool?”. Of course, he wanted me to track down a Stradivarius violin and someone to perform on it. As it turned out, the late Peter Prier just happened to have one in his shop and was happy to oblige. He even invited me to try it out myself after the show. When he saw how shaky my hands were, Prier said, “Just play it.” Honestly, this is one of the most treasured memories of my life.

Doug Fabrizio has been reporting for KUER News since 1987, and became News Director in 1993. In 2001, he became host and executive producer of KUER's RadioWest, a one hour conversation/call-in show on KUER 90.1 in Salt Lake City. He has gained a reputation for his thoughtful style. He has interviewed everyone from Isabel Allende to the Dalai Lama, and from Madeleine Albright to Desmond Tutu. His interview skills landed him a spot as a guest host of the national NPR program, "Talk of the Nation." He has won numerous awards for his reporting and for his work with RadioWest and KUED's Utah NOW from such organizations as the Society of Professional Journalists, the Utah Broadcasters Association, the Public Radio News Directors Association and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
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