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VIOLINMAKING MASTERCLASS
ground floor
The ground floor once again becomes a space for the crafting of string instruments in synergy with various institutions in Cremona. Fondazione Casa Stradivari, in collaboration with Museo del Violino and the Municipality of Cremona, organizes, as part of the "UNESCO Safeguarding Plan for the traditional Cremonese lutherie craftsmanship", an advanced training program in the construction of string instruments of the classical quartet, following the historical Cremonese method based on the internal form.
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The selected luthiers (for this first edition: Francesco Panazza, Alberto Stella, and Louis Marin) are dedicating 18 months to crafting a string quartet, consisting of two violins, a viola, and a cello. During the masterclass, they are guided by internationally renowned masters (Davide Sora, Marcello Ive, Primo Pistoni) throughout the instrument-making process, from the selection of materials to the final setup. Additionally, Bruce Carlson, a celebrated luthier and restorer of historical instruments, provides specific expertise on the final adjustment phase.
Lesson with Master violinmakers
The Violinmaking masterclass consists in 6 hours of lessons per week together with the Master Violinmakers, who alternate every 6 months sharing their techniques and experiences.
Violins
Maestro Davide Sora
Viola
Maestro Marcello Ive
Cello
Maestro Primo Pistoni
Course of chemistry and varnishing
The four violinmakers also attended in-depth studies on chemistry and varnishing held by Curzio Merlo and Claudio Canevari in collaboration with CrForma, Museo del Violino, IIS Antonio Stradivari of Cremona, Arvedi Laboratory of non-Invasive Diagnostics, Politecnico di Milano and the Unesco Office of Cremona.
Further studies are held by Maestro Pierre Flavetta, a renowned luthier from France based in Cremona, who specialized in the study of eighteenth-century Italian varnishes.
Studies at the
Violin Museum
During the 18 months the violinmakers also have the opportunity to study closely the instruments kept in the beautiful Treasure Box of the Violin Museum together with the Curator of its Collection and the maestros.
