On his new instrument, Christian said,

“I am deeply honoured and overjoyed to be loaned this precious 1699 Stradivari violin! I am sincerely grateful to its owner, Mr. David Li, for his generosity and trust, and to Beare’s International Violin Society for their invaluable support in making this possible. I look forward with great excitement to creating and sharing music with this extraordinary instrument in the years to come!”

Steven Smith, J & A Beare’s Managing Director, said,

“It’s wonderful to welcome Christian into the growing family of Beare’s Society artists. Since the Society was set up in 2011, over 200 musicians have been supported with fine instrument loans – thanks to generous patrons like David Li, we have been able to grow in scope to now support artists on a global scale.”

Dr David Li AM, the instrument’s owner, and Chair Emeritus of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra said,

“It gives me joy and privilege to see this remarkable 1699 Stradivari violin, placed into the hands of such an extraordinary young artist as Christian Li. I hope it will accompany him in sharing the beauty of music with audiences around the world.”