“The most impactful help I have received from AICF has to be the cellos provided as part of the Instrument Loan program. It is important to have an instrument that doesn’t limit the musician at the level they’re at. When the level of the instrument is lower, it may interfere with the progress the musician is making, but if the instrument is at a slightly higher quality, it can help accelerate the musician’s development. I have received incredible instruments from AICF since I was fifteen years old, and I am currently borrowing The ex-Havemeyer cello built by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini in 1743.”

“AICF has been there for me throughout my musical and professional journey, and what could be a greater support than providing an artist with an instrument… that’s our ‘office’, that’s our inspiration, that’s the friend we spend so much of our time with. I have the privilege of playing a beautiful French violin – Nicolas François Vuillaume; it has been serving me well for many years, and it has been my partner in my professional career, traveling with me around the world. I am infinitely grateful for the assistance and support – not to be taken for granted! It makes AICF feel like family.”