Is there anything more exciting than a concert violinist standing in front of a full symphony orchestra, ready to share with the world the beauty of Tchaikovsky? Perhaps a soloist playing on their own beautifully hand-crafted instrument. Once a violinist reaches a certain level of expertise, the next step in their career is to locate a violin made specifically to suit their requirements. We round up places to find elegant and excellent violins around the world.
Perugia, Italy
Accomplished violin maker Federico Cesarini’s exquisite instruments are made from Italian red spruce, flamed maple and ebony. He works entirely by hand, following the rules of instrument making that led Italian instruments to become so highly regarded.
Paris, France
Polish-born Jan Bartos studied instrument-making for many years in Cremona, Italy, the home of Antioni Stradivari. He now owns a workshop in Paris, where he makes instruments that are exact copies of Stradivarius and Guarneri violins. Bartos’ violins have regularly won awards at violin-making competitions.
London, United Kingdom
Renowned French instrument maker Yann Besson studied at the National Violin Making School of Mirecourt, where he graduated with distinction. He apprenticed with respected companies in both France and Hong Kong, before setting up a studio in London where he makes violins and violas.
Limoges, France
Highly regarded violin maker Paul Noulet studied the precise art of instrument craftsmanship at the Chicago School of Violin Making. Today, he owns a workshop in the Limousin region of France, where he makes instruments in the classical Cremonese style.
Cremona, Italy
Russian-born Adriano Spadoni studied at the prestigious school of violin making in Cremona, the capital of instrument craftsmanship in the world. Today, he has a workshop there, where he sells instruments that combine the mastery of the great Russian musical tradition with the artistry of Italian violins.
This feature was originally published in the spring edition of Arts and Collections, which can be read here.
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