Entertainment
31 July, 2026
Rare violin’s 248-year journey comes alive on stage
A 248-year-old violin and its journey across continents and through history will take centre stage in a new JUTE Theatre Company production at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre as part of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music’s community culture program.
‘Rhapsody – A Violin’s Journey Through Time’, created by violinist, playwright and artistic director Kirtley Walker-Halstead, will be performed for one night only on Friday 31 July.
The chamber music theatre work tells the story of Ms Walker-Halstead’s treasured 1778 Sebastian Dalinger violin through music, storytelling and theatre, with an original score by Cairns composer and pianist Dr Katrina Pring.
Ms Walker-Halstead said the production grew from acquiring the rare instrument following the death of her husband, Bob, when she returned to the United States and discovered it was for sale.
“I was so enamoured. I just had to get back to Australia as quickly as possible to see it and hopefully acquire it.”
She said her relationship with the instrument deepened over time.
“The more I practised and played in performances, the more it came to life. I could almost feel the resonance of previous owners and embodying this deeper context piqued my interest. I was just the current caretaker in a long line of owners – past, present and future.”
Ms Walker-Halstead said she hoped audiences would reflect on the stories carried by treasured objects.
“I hope people leave thinking about the stories hidden within the things we treasure and the privilege of being their caretaker for a little while.”
The violin was crafted in 1778 by Tyrolean luthier Sebastian Dalinger and travelled from Europe to Australia aboard the SS Great Britain. It was later played by violinist Franz Bauer at the opening of the Melbourne Theatre before continuing its journey through the First World War and eventually to regional Queensland, where it became the instrument of an ambulance driver who later served as concertmaster of the Ipswich orchestra.
JUTE Theatre Company executive artistic director Chris Kohn said the production reflected the company’s commitment to developing new Australian work.
“When Kirtley first brought this remarkable story to JUTE, we recognised its extraordinary theatrical potential,” he said. “What has emerged is much more than the history of an instrument. Rhapsody explores memory, craftsmanship, resilience and the way music can carry stories across generations.
“It’s a deeply personal work that will resonate well beyond chamber music audiences.”
The production has been developed through a creative partnership between JUTE and Ms Walker-Halstead, who will perform with Dr Pring alongside actors delivering the violin’s story.
The event will be staged at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre at 6pm on Friday 31 July as part of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music’s community culture program.
