Gloria ‘Dode’ Stroud is still surrounded by mementos of her life as a violinist. (submitted photo)
Gloria “Dode” Stroud has spent her life making sweet music. But now is now selling her prized instrument, potentially for six-figures.
The 90-year-old Preston Hollow resident was born in the small town of Cisco, Texas, and demonstrated her immense musical aptitude as a young child. She was given a violin at age 5 and immediately she took to the instrument, perfecting every note.
Gloria ‘Dode’ Stroud pictured with her rare Petrus Guarnerius violin that was handcrafted in 1740 in Cremona, Italy.
“At age 17, I was awarded a full scholarship to The Julliard School in New York City,” says Stroud. “Since my mother and father didn’t have to pay for my education, they purchased me a $10,000 Petrus Guarnerius violin handcrafted in 1740 in Cremona, Italy, an ancient town known worldwide for its superior violin makers.”
After Julliard, Stroud served for a bit with the USO, performing at hospitals for injured soldiers. She then returned to Texas, met her husband and spent 42 years playing in the violin section of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. She is currently a resident at Edgemere retirement community, where she continues to share her love of music. Her nearly 300-year-old violin is valued at $1 million, meaning it might be a while before the right buyer comes along, until then it will be kept safely in Chicago.
“I made the decision to allow Bein & Fushi to list my violin for sale because of their reputation for excellence and dedication to preserving my prestigious violin until the right buyer comes along,” she says. “Like a famous painting, this particular violin will continue to increase in value over the years.”
