A Family Instrument: Esme Greenwood’s Violin and the Craft Behind the Sound
When Esme Greenwood steps onto the stage with Sheffield Chamber Orchestra on 21 March 2026, audiences will hear her perform Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26 by Max Bruch on an instrument with a remarkable personal story. Her violin was made not by a historic Italian master, but by someone much closer to home — her grandfather, Sheffield-based professional luthier John Cockburn.
This family connection adds an extra layer of meaning to a concerto already rich in emotional depth and lyrical beauty.
A Violin with a Personal Story
Asked about the violin she plays, Esme explains: “Well, the instrument, my violin was actually made by my granddad.”
Her grandfather, John Cockburn, is an experienced maker whose instruments draw inspiration from the great traditions of classical violin making. The instrument Esme now plays is based on the design of the famous Stradivari models that have shaped violin making for centuries.
As she describes it: “It’s a Stradivarius copy, and it’s a really beautiful instrument.”
Rather than being an antique instrument centuries old, Esme’s violin is relatively new — something that offers both practical and artistic advantages for a young soloist still developing her sound.
“It’s very recently made. I switched to it when I needed to move to a slightly bigger violin.”
Growing into the Instrument
Adjusting to a new instrument can sometimes take months or even years for a professional musician. But Esme quickly felt at home with her grandfather’s violin.
“I got used to it very, very quickly. I played it and I was like, ‘Yeah, I really like this!’”
Since making the switch, she has spent the last few months getting to know the instrument’s character and possibilities.
“I’ve played on it for a few months now, and it’s a really nice thing to play on.”
For audiences, that close personal relationship between player and instrument often translates directly into the warmth and immediacy of the sound they hear in performance.
The Craft of Violin Making
The work of a luthier combines artistry, acoustical science and extraordinary patience. Each violin is carefully shaped from selected tone woods — typically spruce for the top and maple for the back and sides — and meticulously carved to achieve the correct resonance and balance.
Instruments modelled on Stradivari designs, like Esme’s, aim to recreate the proportions and tonal qualities developed by the legendary Cremonese maker Antonio Stradivari in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. These designs remain among the most admired and widely copied in violin making.
For Esme, performing on a violin crafted within her own family makes the experience particularly special.
Hearing the Instrument in Concert
Audiences will be able to hear this unique instrument when Esme Greenwood joins Sheffield Chamber Orchestra for our Great Classical Masterpieces concert on 21 March 2026, conducted by John Lyon.
Bruch’s Violin Concerto is one of the most beloved works in the repertoire, celebrated for its soaring melodies, dramatic contrasts and emotional intensity — qualities perfectly suited to showcasing the voice of a fine instrument and the artistry of the performer.
With the added story of a violin crafted by her own grandfather, this performance promises to bring a particularly personal dimension to the music.
We look forward to welcoming you on 21 March for an evening of great music — and the chance to hear a truly special violin and soloist in action.