I just got to hear Nikki Chooi play a Stradivarius in a small venue...

So I went to see a chamber music concert at a winery in my home town today, with Nikki Chooi as the star violinist.

I was already very excited for the set-list, which was Mozarts Violin Sonata #18 k 301, Bachs Violin Sonata #1 BWV 1001, Ravels Tzigane, and Mendelssohns String Quintet #2.

(Never heard Tzigane before... Holy smokes!)

It was open seating, so naturally I rush into the hall and manage to snag a front row seat in the righthand section.

In my rush I forgot to grab a program, but the couple next to me had two, and kindly offered me one.

As I was reading about Mr. Chooi, I noticed at the bottom of his bio that he would be performing on a 1713 Stradivarius!

My excitment doubled! To think I would be seated only a few meters away from a high caliber musician playing on an instrument created by a legendary luthier!

So as far as I can predict this may be the only time I get to experience a Strad being played, since I don't travel much... I feel so energized!!!

All I want to do now is play my own violin but it's late and I haven't got a space to play without disturbing people sleeping... Till tomorrow I suppose!

That's all I have to say. Thanks r/violinist for existing as a place I can write about this experience and express my joy!