When I was an infant, I was adopted into a musical family. My mother, Alice May Eccles, was a concert pianist and a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London England. My father, Hillman Wright, was a musician himself – and a well-known piano tuner in the Saint John area.
Being adopted and raised in that environment, it was inevitable that I would pursue music as well. From a very young age I learned to play the piano, violin and eventually cello, viola, French Horn, and bassoon. I took violin lessons from my mother at first, and later from Mrs. Barker and David Adams in Saint John. While in junior and senior high school, I spent every summer studying violin at Acadia University with Prof. Janis Kalejs.
My mother and Mrs. Barker, along with other prominent musicians in the area, saw a need for a youth orchestra – a place where young musicians could experience and learn about orchestral music and so much more. For years they met and planned, and with support from other members of the NB Symphony Orchestra and sponsors like Phillip Oland, their dream became a reality. 60 years ago the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra was formed with me as its first Concert Mistress. I wish they were alive to see how it has evolved, along with the Sistema NB Musical Education Program. It’s amazing.
Measures of life – my violin’s story
François Gaviniès (1683-1772) is a representative of the old Parisian school of violin making whose work reflects the gradual establishment of the Stradivarius model in French violin making.
This violin, that I played for over 60 years, spoke to me and said,
“Allow me to recount my tale—a tale of sound, soul, and ceaseless journeys—from my own strings –
I am the Gaviniès, born in 1731, lovingly carved and shaped to sing with dark, resonant warmth by my father, François Gaviniès. My label still rests within, bearing testament to my origin. I have always been more than wood and strings—I hold centuries of stories, passions, and the echoes of countless hands that have brought me to life.
In 1965, a young girl named Cecilia Wright claimed me as her companion. I came to her through her high school boyfriend’s great aunt, who fondly spoke of me as her grandfather’s “fiddle.” Thus, my journey into Ceci’s life began, and oh, what a journey it was.
For 60 years, I have traveled with her, my voice accompanying her dreams and ambitions. Together, we sat in the Concert Mistress’ chair, its first Concert Mistress in 1965, for the NBYO. We ventured to Texas and Michigan, where I resonated in master groups under the aegis of the Musician’s Union. Then, across the Atlantic to England, I sang with pride as Ceci was welcomed into the Royal Academy of Music in 1967.
We returned to Canada, where I joined her in her studies at Acadia University and later Dalhousie University.
When Ceci married and moved to Fredericton, I found myself in her hands at schools as she taught music to elementary school children. Later, her focus shifted, and though I was no longer her daily partner, she kept me close, occasionally drawing her bow across my strings to remind herself—and me—of the melodies we shared.
Now, my voice is ready to find new hands, new stories. I have come full circle with her – from being the first Concert Master of the then-fledgling orchestra to joining it again.
After 60+ years together, Ceci made the difficult decision to donate me to the orchestra. I now belong to the NBYO and will be played by talented member of the group – to awaken, to explore, to play. Treat me well, and together, we will weave a symphony of new memories.”
I still played occasionally but primarily for my own entertainment. I’m now retired and, at almost 75, considering what legacy I would like to leave behind. I want to see my violin used by a deserving student. I have donated it to the NBYO in Trust for a student to use while in the orchestra and then for it to be returned and passed on to another deserving student when that one leaves. That means the violin will be used and loved, helping to maintain its mellow tone and some students will have the opportunity to play on and enjoy using this well loved instrument.
Capturing Cherished Memories 