A 257-year-old violin was played by a world-class musician at a variety of venues throughout B.C., including at the Gathering Place atrium within the walls of the College of New Caledonia Tuesday.
It happened because a College of New Caledonia (CNC) employee got a visit from two far-flung members of her family whose extreme talent was immediately showcased during many musically-oriented events throughout B.C.
Asia Switaj, who works in the student services department at CNC, welcomed her sister, Magdalena Schoppa, a renowned pianist, and niece Kinga Maria Switaj, a renowned violinist, during an extended visit to the province.
Kinga received the 1760 violin made by German Johann Klotz as a gift from her parents. She was offered five different instruments and settled on the Klotz because it best suited her needs.
"When I play it, I feel the history of the violin on my shoulders, in my heart and in my mind," Kinga said.
"I often wonder about its history and how it survived for so many years. It is in good condition for such an old violin."
As a valued possession, Asia said Kinga takes the violin everywhere she goes.
"Yes, I do, 'Johann' is always with me," Kinga smiled.
Asia met the two world travelers on Sept. 22 in Victoria, where they performed at the Victoria Conservatory of Music before traveling through the province to see the sights before arriving at Asia's home in Prince George.
The musical pair then performed several times in Prince George, including an appearance at the Prince George Conservatory of Music, Two Rivers Gallery, and at the college. They then traveled to Burns Lake for an evening performance and then returned to Prince George to end their series by performing once again at CNC Tuesday for the lunch-time crowd of students.
The music presented Tuesday were pieces from Johann Sebastian Bach, Ignaz Jan Paderewski, Frederic Chopin, Henry Wieniawski, Fritz Kreisler, as well as The Dream from Robert Schumann.
"This is the first time Kinga and Magdalena have visited in 18 years," said Asia, who has gone to Europe to visit them often over the years.
Originally from Poland the family is scattered throughout the world. Kinga is now anchored by an orchestra in Portugal but travels extensively throughout the world as a soloist, chamber musician and concert violinist.
After 30 years as a music professor in Poland Magdalena has retired and now enjoys a freelance career traveling the world as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist.
