Winter blog

Happy New Year to everyone!

Last year was a positive year, five violins made.  The last violin is heading to Australia, but there is a delay in sending it because of the high temperature, 45 degrees at the last count!  Half way through a new Guarneri del Gesu, Lord Wilton copy, 1742.  It’s one of my favourite instruments to make, though it throws up many challenges, especially the scroll and deep corner fluting.

For the first time in years I have a commission for a cello.  In between that time I have a few fiddles to be going on with, so it’s going to be a busy, productive year.  

Just got a message from Margot Smith who has two of my instruments, a violin and a viola. She plays regularly with various Ensembles at Paisley Abbey, and she wanted to let me know that three of my instruments were played in one evening.  One of these days I’d love to get through to see a  concert, I’ve heard Paisley Abbey is beautiful.

I went to see a fabulous concert at the Usher Hall before Christmas, Anne Sophie Mutter playing Penderecki Violin Concerto, and  in my humble opinion she is one of the greats, amazing vibrato and a wonderful interpretation of this piece of music.  Next up, Nicola Benedetti playing the Wynton Marsalis Concerto in d.  I watched the documentary some time ago of them working together and I’m looking forward to the concert on the 8th February at the Usher Hall with the RSNO.  

I’m heading to London for the 3rd February for the BVMA makers day.  It takes place at Kings Place, London from 10.30 to 5.30.  I’ll be exhibiting a violin and a viola (Guarneri copy violin and a Maggini copy viola).  If you are in the area please come in and try them out.  I’ll be dropping pictures on Facebook and instagram of the instruments before I go so check them out.  Or just pop by and say hello!

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