Delaware
Delaware’s Calidore unlock origin story of their golden instruments
John Williams from ‘Star Wars’ hops on album by Delaware’s Calidore
The Calidore String Quartet, from University of Delaware, landed iconic “Star Wars” composer John Williams on their 2026 album “American Tapestry.”
When you’re in a world-class chamber group like The Calidore String Quartet in Delaware, each instrument carries more than just a rich tune.
Those prized instruments also string together a colorful backstory.
Calidore, which serves as the Distinguished String Quartet in Residence at University of Delaware, unveiled the tales behind each member’s instruments, before their homecoming concert at UD’s Gore Recital Hall in Newark April 6.
Jeffrey Myers of Calidore rocks a violin from 1775
Chamber musicians widely recognize Antonio Stradivari, the 17th-century Italian craftsman, as the No. 1 violin maker, Calidore violinist Jeffrey Myers said.
The No. 3 spot is claimed by the guy who made Myers’ violin: Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, the 18th-century Italian who crafted his “Eisenberg” instrument in circa 1775. He currently uses bows by Dominique Peccatte and Francois Tourte.
Myers’ instrument belonged to the late David Niwa, assistant concertmaster for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in Ohio, who died young in his 50s in 2022. Myers is originally from Columbus, Ohio, and was already familiar with that particular violin, long before he started using it.
“I actually grew up watching and hearing this instrument being played,” Myers said.
Niwa’s wife, a pianist, has decided to loan the instrument to Myers on an extended basis.
“I’m very fortunate to get to play it,” Myers said. “These instruments are … they’re really just pieces of artwork.”
Jeremy Berry finds his stringed boo: ‘I never turned back’
Calidore violist Jeremy Berry has the youngest instrument in the group: one made by Umberto Muschietti from circa 1903, with a bow by Pierre Simon.
Berry said he stumbled across that viola when he was getting a previous one repaired and needed a substitute. That’s when Julie Reed-Yeboah, the acclaimed owner of Reed Yeboah Fine Violins in New York City, played matchmaker and introduced him to his current stringed boo.
Reed-Yeboah “was clearly a very good salesperson,” Berry said with a laugh. “She said, ‘why don’t you play on this for a bit?’ And I never turned back.”
Estelle Choi’s cello ‘has a lot of sentimental value’
Around 2013, Estelle Choi began playing a cello created by Charles Jacquot (circa 1830). The instrument was loaned by her former teacher Ron Leonard, an esteemed musician who was on the cello faculty at Colburn School Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, before he retired in 2017.
Choi said she initially used a different cello on loan, but after taking it in for an “annual check-up,” she asked Leonard if she could borrow one of his.
“At that point, that’s when he lent me this cello that I now own,” Choi explained. After about a decade of borrowing the instrument, Choi finally bought it from her former teacher, just two or three years ago.
“I own the instrument that my teacher originally got as a teenager,” she said. “It sort of has a lot of sentimental value.”
Ryan Meehan knew it was love at ‘first note’
Calidore violinist Ryan Meehan uses a bow by Joseph Henry and a violin by Vincenzo Panormo (circa 1775). The instrument is tied with Myers’ for being the oldest in the group, and Meehan acquired it thanks to Robert Lipsett, the violinist’s former instructor at the Colburn School.
Meehan said Lipsett is a “world-renowned violin teacher” who is also “a great collector of instruments.”
When Meehan was looking for an instrument, Lipsett called to let him know there was a violin he might be interested in that another student passed on. But Lipsett didn’t know if the instrument was still available. Meehan eventually tracked it down.
“I knew from the first note that, that was [my instrument],” Meehan said. “After searching for so long, you know it when you know it. I feel very lucky.”
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 10:59AM
LEWES, Del. (WPVI) — The Delaware Bay has a new defense in the case of a potential oil spill.
The Delaware Responder was officially christened on Tuesday in Lewes.
The 65-foot oil spill response boat carries 2,000 feet of boom, which helps contain an oil spill.
The Delaware Bay and River Cooperative, a non-profit group made up of companies that receive, produce or transport oil on the Delaware River and Bay, said the boat also has onboard oil storage for recovery operations.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
The mother of Nola Dinkins was found guilty of murdering her 3-year-old daughter, who was falsely reported to be kidnapped in Delaware in June 2025, according to court records.
Darrian Randle was found guilty by a Maryland jury of first-degree murder and two counts of child abuse for the death of Dinkins, who was falsely reported to be missing after an abduction in Newark, Delaware, prosecutors said.
The amber alert set off a dayslong search for the girl, but Randle eventually admitted to beating Dinkins to death in Maryland and then tried to fake a kidnapping, officials said at the time.
Human remains that were consistent with an emaciated child and completely wrapped in saran wrap were ultimately found n a suitcase in the area of Dune Drive in North East, Cecil County, Maryland, officials said.
Randle’s boyfriend, Cedrick Britten, is also facing charges in the case and has yet to go to trial.
Randle remains in custody and will be sentenced on Oct. 2, 2026, according to court records.
Darrian Randle allegedly admitted to beating her 3-year-old daughter Nola Dinkins to death before putting the girl’s body in a suitcase. NBC10’s Tim Furlong speaks with neighbors of the woman’s boyfriend, who police say helped her hide the body.
WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) — One-of-a-kind boutique Wild Thyme blends fashion and floral design. Wild Thyme, located along Kennett Pike, brings together the creative vision of owners Bruce Mowday Jr. and his husband, Robert Prettyman Sr.
The boutique offers a mix of elegant apparel, unique gifts, and fresh floral arrangements. You’ll find locally made art, exclusive international brands, and items that tell a story.
Floral design remains at the heart of the business. Bruce, who trained for years under a master peony gardener, creates custom arrangements. Meanwhile, Robert, drawing on decades of construction experience, helped transform the space into a bright, welcoming destination.
Since opening last September, Wild Thyme has gained strong community support, especially as an LGBTQ-owned business. The couple hopes their journey inspires others to pursue their passions and embrace who they are.
Wild Thyme | Facebook | Instagram
5725 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807
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