Ancient 245-year-old violin handed to fresh head of Ulster Youth Orchestra
In a significant development for the world of classical music, 21-year-old Anna Jansson from Cork has been presented with the Milton Violin by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. This 245-year-old Neapolitan violin, made by Joseph Gagliano in Naples around 1780, has a rich history and has been loaned to the Ulster Youth Orchestra (UYO) since 2013 for its leader to use.
Anna, who is currently a student at the Kunst-Universität (University of Music and Performing Arts) in Graz, Austria, expressed her joy at being able to play the Milton Violin. She stated that it has helped her in her own playing and allowed her to explore new sounds and colors.
The UYO, established in 1993, is a national youth orchestra of Northern Ireland that provides gifted young musicians with the opportunity to develop their musical skills further. The orchestra is supported by public funding and National Lottery funding through the Arts Council.
The Milton Violin has been a treasured possession of the Arts Council, donated by Professor Alan Milton in 1980. Over the years, it has been used by the leader and principal players of the Ulster Orchestra. In 2013, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland generously donated the Milton Violin to the Ulster Youth Orchestra.
Ciaran Scullion, the head of music and opera at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, expressed gratitude for Professor Milton's generosity. He stated that the loan of the Milton Violin to the Ulster Youth Orchestra is a testament to the commitment of the Arts Council to nurturing young talent and providing them with the best resources possible.
Paula Klein, the general manager at the Ulster Youth Orchestra, spoke about the rigorous audition process that Anna Jansson faced to become the leader of the UYO. She stated that Anna's exceptional talent and dedication made her the perfect choice for the role.
Under the leadership of Sarah McFarland, who took over in 2025 and became the first female conductor in the orchestra's history, the UYO's artistic programmes encourage individuals to develop practical and social skills, boost their confidence, enhance their well-being, and empower them to achieve excellence.
With the Milton Violin in her hands, Anna Jansson feels lucky to be able to play such a historic and revered instrument. She looks forward to exploring its potential for sound and color production and to contributing to the rich musical legacy of the Ulster Youth Orchestra.
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