Exquisite 245-year-old Italian violin presented to new Ulster Youth Orchestra Leader, Anna Jansson
21st August, 2025
Exceptional young violinist, Anna Jansson, aged 21, from Cork has been announced as the new Leader of the Ulster Youth Orchestra (UYO) and has been presented by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland with the Milton Violin, an exquisite 245-year-old instrument made by renowned Neapolitan violin maker, Joseph Gagliano, in Naples around 1780. The precious instrument will be played throughout her tenure as leader.
The violin, which is 245 years old, was generously donated to the Arts Council by Professor Alan Milton in 1980 and in the past has been used by the Leader and principal players of the Ulster Orchestra. In 2013 the Arts Council decided to loan the precious instrument to the Ulster Youth Orchestra to be used by exceptionally gifted musicians in their role as Leader.
Watch the video featuring the Milton Violin below.
Anna, who faced rigorous auditions to become the Leader of the Ulster Youth Orchestra, is currently studying at the Kunst-Universität (The University of Music and Performing Arts) in Graz, Austria.
Established in 1993, The UYO is the National Youth Orchestra of Northern Ireland and is supported by public funding and National Lottery funding through the Arts Council and offers the highest level of orchestral training in the region. Through its annual summer residential courses and concerts and outreach projects, it provides gifted musicians with the opportunity to develop their musical skills further.
Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music and Opera at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland said, “Congratulations to Anna on becoming Leader of the Ulster Youth Orchestra. The Ulster Youth Orchestra has become a vibrant and creative force in the musical life of Northern Ireland, bringing top quality orchestral playing to a wide audience, and providing gifted young musicians with access to the very best professional players, tutors and conductors. Thanks to the generosity of Professor Milton, the Arts Council can provide this exceptional instrument to generations of our best young violinists. We are delighted by the appointment of Anna Jansson as Leader and have no doubt she will put this very special opportunity to great use.”
Paula Klein, General Manager, Ulster Youth Orchestra said, “We are delighted that Anna has been awarded the position of leader in 2025. To be awarded such a beautiful instrument is a great honour and will be of immense value to Anna at this point in her studies. The directors of the Ulster Youth Orchestra are extremely grateful to the Arts Council for providing the leader of the Ulster Youth Orchestra with the opportunity of playing such an exquisite instrument.”
Membership to the Ulster Youth Orchestra is gained through a highly competitive audition process. All members value the opportunity to come together to perform with the very best young musicians from all over Northern Ireland. Its members work together harmoniously in the pursuit of artistic excellence. The Orchestra’s artistic programmes encourage individuals to develop practical and social skills, boost their confidence, enhance their well-being and empower them to achieve excellence.