Meet the Master – Renowned Italian Violinmaker to Meet Violin Lovers in Kuching

World-renowned Italian violinmaker – Paolo Vettori will be in Kuching to meet local violin lovers and exhibit his handcrafted violins. For many of our violin students, teachers, musicians and collectors, it will be a rare opportunity for them to meet face-to-face with the master violinmaker from Italy. Besides being able to learn from the master in person, attendants will also have a chance to listen to the beautiful tone of a top grade Italian violin. Furthermore, those who wish to have hands-on experience may also play on the prestigious violins. Master Paolo Vettori will also share his knowledge and appreciation of the orchestra stringed instruments.

Paolo Vettori is the leader of the Vettori family which is a famous violinmaking family under the Tuscany tradition. He was born in Firenzuola in 1945, a small city in the Tosco-Romagnolo Appennini mountains  and is the fifth-eldest son of Dario (1903-1973), known as "il liutaio della montagna". He started working in his father's workshop at a very early age. Already in the 1960s when he visited with his father the violin workshop of Carlo Bisiach, he was fascinated by the instruments, models, moulds, as well as by the strong personality of the important Master. In the 1970s, he was a frequent visitor and observer at the violin workshops of Lapo Casini and Sderci, where he received precious and important advice. The two craftsmen later became acquainted, and a lasting friendship and deep mutual esteem developed between them.

Paolo acquired various techniques, models for violin-making and formulae for varnishes exclusive to the Bisiach family, with whom Stefanini collaborated closely for many decades. Paolo has already built more than 300 instruments including violins, violas and violoncellos, employing a great variety of models. Paolo's construction technique and style show strong traces of his father's influence, but also of the immense experience acquired over the years. At this time, he works in his workshop in Via della Dogana with his two sons Dario II and Lapo and his daughter Sofia, everyone signing the instruments with their own labels. Together, the family continues to follow the tradition and the great adventure started by "Grandfather Dario" in 1935. In 2005 they celebrated 70 years of violin-making. Today, Paolo is already a world-renowned violinmaker. His works are being well-received by collectors all over the world.

Master Paolo will be meeting local violinists at Arco Strings Music on coming Saturday and Sunday (27 & 28 October 2007) afternoon. Together with Master Paolo’s violins is a world-class top-grade violin bow by renowned French master bow-maker P. Guillaume. Interested violinist, students or collector who wish to meet the Master may contact Arco Strings Music at 082-252726，013-8042726 or visit Arco Strings Music showroom at Lot 288 Ground Floor, Westwood,Tabuan Road, Kuching for appointment.

Photos taken during the show

Precious violins and bow (by P.Guillaume) on display at Arco Strings Music	Mr. Tay (Left) and Mr. & Mrs. Vettori