From June 13 to August 11 the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is to host an exhibition of world-famous luthier Antonio Stradivari's life and work. On display will be 20 of his most celebrated instruments, some of which have never before been on public show. 

The exhibition will also include a recreation of Stradivari’s workshop, displaying his original tools, wooden models and patterns, on loan from the Museo Stradivariano in Cremona. Recordings and interviews with leading musicians will, in addition, give visitors the chance to hear Stradivari’s instruments played.

To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, James Ehnes will give a gala concert in Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre, performing unaccompanied music by Bach and Paganini on a number of Stradivarius violins, and discussing the unique qualities of the instruments.

For full details visit the Ashmolean website.