Canadian Violin and Bow Making Exhibit

Update: Feb 2003
Planning for this years Professional Violin and BowMakers Exhibition is under way. Visit here for more details in weeks to come.
Congratulations to Ray Schryer for his Gold Medal Cello at the recent VSA Competition. Mr. Schryer was awarded the only GoldMedal of the competition!

Aug 3-4, 2002

For the first time in Canada, makers of violins, viola, cello and bows gathered to exhibit their work as part of the first annual Professional Violinmakers and Bowmakers of Canada conference in Ottawa at the Ramada Hotel and Suites August 3 and 4. The public and in particular players were be able to view and try out modern Canadian-made instruments of the violin family.
The goal of the exhibition was to raise the image of modern makers of instruments and bows in Canada, help makers exchange ideas and resources and promote the advantages and quality of sound of a newly constructed violin. The exhibition took place during the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival.
Often considered to be a "dying art" violin and bow making are actually alive and well in Canada. Makers from all across the country participated in what organizers hope will turn into an active organization with members contributing to the growth and exposure of what the "new" violin is capable of.
Halifax-based violinmaker and conference organizer Andrew Kirk says he saw a real need for makers across the country to get in touch with each other and the playing public. "Makers I previously knew in name only or by reputation will be there to share with each other and the public," he comments. "With no violin or bow making school in Canada, many of us have received our training in schools abroad, apprenticed in other countries or are self-taught. This was a great opportunity to bring together concepts from all over the world."
Kirk, who studied at the North Bennet Street School in Boston and apprenticed in shops in across New England, says many people are unaware that anyone in Canada is making instruments and bows. "With short notice I was able to bring together people to show their work. I'm hoping this event will raise awareness of the vibrancy of modern making in Canada and raise our profile among players and audiences across Canada and the World," he continues.
The Show was an incredible success. There were players and interested people waiting for the doors to open and the makers stayed busy for the two days showing and discussing instruments. The makers also participated in an informal round table discussion on topics such as varnish, international shipping, wood sources and the furture of an association.
With the fine turn out and success of the exhibition, future looks bright for

The Violin and Bow Makers of Canada

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photo:Stephen Marvin

Particpants Included

Andrew Kirk Violinmaker
39 RedFern Terrace
Halifax, NS
B3S 1K8
Email: akirk@dal.ca

Fax: (902) 423-6029

Jaak Livoja-Lorius Violin Studio
519 Rideau St.
Ottawa, ON
K1N 5Z5
(613) 562-3666