Group of Luthiers Build Viola for VSA Scholarship Auction
The Violin Society of America to Auction off Copy of Girolamo Amati Viola handcrafted by Luthier Group to benefit VSA Scholarship Program
DALLAS (October 23, 2015) – The online auction of the Girolamo Amati Viola Copy went live today at biddingowl.com/VSA, with a reserve of $1,500. The auction will conclude on Friday, November 13, 2015 at the Violin Society of America’s (VSA) 43rd Annual Convention. The winning bid will be announced at 6:30pm at a cocktail hour for convention attendees, attendance not necessary to bid or win.
All bids will be accepted online, allowing individuals around the world the opportunity to bid. The Viola is modeled after the Girolamo Amati Viola in the Galeria Estense, and made by the luthiers with the Scrollavezza/Zanre book as a reference. The proceeds of this auction will go to the VSA Scholarship Fund. More info at vsaweb.org/scholarships.
The viola is the brainchild of VSA member Dwight Brown, who brought together VSA luthiers, via an online forum, with the objective of creating an instrument that could be auctioned for the benefit of student makers. Mr. Brown donated the books, tonewood, and case for the viola, and there were many other members of the forum that contributed in other ways. The seven luthiers each produced a specific component of the instrument as listed below:
Templates & prepping the form: Ernie Martell
Rib Structure: Catalin Quercinola
Top and Back Plates: Christopher Jacoby
Scroll and neck set: James M. Jones
Neck shape: Matthew Noykos
Varnish: Joe Robson
Setup: Matthew Noykos
According to Mr. Brown, “The idea for the Maestronet Pegbox Group viola grew out of an experience I had last spring. I had had a rough day and decided that the best way to get over it was to do something for someone else A few weeks later it occurred to me that it would be possible to build an instrument with a group of violin makers each taking part of the job. The project and the idea to contribute to the VSA scholarship fund sort of grew organically. I have been very lucky to be involved with this group of talented artists.”
Past VSA President, Christopher Germain says. “It’s really gratifying to see and hear the result of such a wonderful collaboration among makers all for the benefit of a very worthy cause – the VSA Scholarship Fund. My deepest thanks to all those who were involved!”
President Lori Kirr says, “The generosity of the participants of the Viola Project blows me away. Their work will make such a difference in the lives of the students, and ensures the future of violin and bow making. It warms my heart and makes me proud to be part of the VSA.”
Online Auction at: biddingowl.com/VSA
To view a preliminary schedule or register for the convention, please visit vsaweb.org or call (972) 233-9107 x224.
ABOUT VSA
Founded in 1973, the Violin Society of America is a non-profit organization created for the purpose of promoting the art and science of making, repairing and preserving stringed musical instruments and their bows. Membership in the VSA is open to all who share an interest in the violin, viola, cello, bass and their bows, and thus reflects a broad and diverse range of interests and concerns, including craftsmanship, acoustics, innovation, the history of instruments and performers, technique, performance practice, repertory and other matters pertaining to instruments of the violin family.
