The world of luthierie, or the art of making stringed instruments, has traditionally been dominated by men. However, the winds of change are blowing, and women are now making their mark in this intricate craft.
Today, we spotlight four exceptional women who have carved a niche for themselves in the world of violin making: Anna Arietti, Fiorella Anelli, Elina Kaljunen, and Mina Mazzolari.
Born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1991, Ayoung An, popularly known as Anna Arietti, has always been enchanted by the world of music and violin making. Her journey took her across the United States before she settled in Cremona, Italy, to study at the prestigious Antonio Stradivari School of Violin Making. Under the tutelage of Pier Luigi Aromatico Fantoni, Anna honed her skills, leading her to win numerous accolades in international competitions. Her collaboration with Edgar Russ further refined her craftsmanship. Today, from her workshop in Cremona, Anna crafts violins, violas, and cellos, each echoing her unique voice and passion.
Born in Milan in 1981, Fiorella Anelli's life has always been intertwined with music. Her initial foray into the world of music was through the piano, but a visit to the "School of Violin Making of Milan" changed her trajectory. Enchanted by the blend of art, craft, and music, Fiorella embarked on her journey into luthierie, and today, she stands as one of the prominent figures in the field.
Elina Kaljunen's approach to violin making is rooted deeply in the classical Italian tradition. While A. Stradivari's designs are popular among contemporary makers, Elina believes in drawing inspiration from a plethora of master craftsmen. For her, the relationship between the musician and the maker is paramount. She emphasizes the importance of a comfortable setup, ensuring that playing the violin remains an inspiring and effortless experience for the musician.
Born in Korea in 1980, Mina Mazzolari's musical journey began with the piano. However, her growing interest in stringed instruments led her to the International Violinmaking School in Cremona. Her dedication and skill were evident when she secured an honorary mention at the International Competition for Strings Instruments in 2009. Today, Mina continues to craft instruments that resonate with her passion and expertise.
The world of luthierie is richer and more diverse thanks to the contributions of these talented women. They not only challenge the status quo but also bring fresh perspectives and innovations to the craft. As they carve, mold, and string their instruments, they also weave their unique stories, ensuring that the legacy of women in luthierie continues to grow and inspire future generations.
We have been following Anna's work for a few years now, and the quality of her craft seem to improve with each new instrument, both in terms of sound and craftsmanship. The sound of this beautiful violin, modelled after the "Heifetz" Guarneri, certainly does justice to its craftsmanship. It produces a rich and powerful tone while striking a good balance between dark and bright. It is characterised by a full and vibrant resonance on every note and every double stop.
Anna Arietti, born Ayoung An in Seoul in 1991, is a luthier based in Cremona. She makes violins, violas and cellos, and has established herself as one of the most talented young makers working in Italy today.
She travelled across the United States from 2008 before entering the Antonio Stradivari School of Violin Making in Cremona in 2011, studying under Pier Luigi Aromatico Fantoni and graduating in 2015. Awards followed at Pisogne and Rome, and in 2017 she began working with Edgar Russ, an experience that shaped her style. She opened her own workshop in Cremona in 2020. Her signature model is the Guarneri del Gesu "Heifetz".
Her instruments are held by collectors and connoisseurs internationally, and she has taken commissions through us from players in the Far East.
We have followed Anna's work for several years and the craft improves with each instrument. Her "Heifetz" is one of our most popular offerings and we keep going back to it. The tone is immediately striking, with a clarity and response that feel exceptional and real depth behind them. It sits on the brighter side, with a projecting E string and a hint of edge, but the colour palette is broad enough to handle almost any repertoire, and the resonance is full and vibrant on every note and every double stop. She is absolutely a maker to watch.
A wonderful violin, made by Luthier Fiorella Anelli in her workshop in Cremona. Her exquisite craftsmanship and use of varnish make this a particularly unique violin. The purfling and edge work is extremely precise and detailed. This is a very powerful and bright sounding violin. It projects with ease and will have no trouble in a large concert hall. Ideally suited to a leader, chamber musician or soloist. This violin comes certified from the Luthier.
Fiorella Anelli is an Italian luthier working from her own workshop in Cremona. Born in Milan in 1981, she came to making through music, having studied piano from an early age.
A suggestion led her to visit the School of Violin Making of Milan, and the atmosphere of the place decided the matter. She trained there before moving to Cremona. She works most often from Guarneri del Gesu, including the 1744 "Le Duc", and also makes baroque violins set up for gut strings. Her varnish work and choice of wood are consistently strong, and every instrument leaves with her certificate.
Daniel Phillips, professor at the Juilliard School, has said of one of her violins that the craft and workmanship are extraordinary, and that the sound is comparable in complexity and reserve of power to Stradivari instruments he knows.
We are big fans of Fiorella's work and it consistently delivers. The sound is ample, smooth and warm, with a depth and richness that is rare at this price. Her setup is excellent, so the instruments are comfortable to play and respond well from the outset. Her baroque violins deserve separate mention: deep and rich, with gut strings that resonate in genuine sympathy with the wood, and they are among the few contemporary baroque instruments we have been fully convinced by.
We are very excited to have this stunning 1757 Guadagnini model violin by Elina Kaljunen. She is one of the most talented craftspeople of her generation and the violin is an aesthetic masterpiece. Her instruments are played by reputed musicians all over the world including by some members of the Australian Chamber Orchestra. We are the first dealer in the UK to have one of her instruments. This violin shares many of its characteristics with original Guadagninis such as a bright and focused E string as well as power and richness of sound in the other registers. One of the best antiqued violins we have had, it's definitely one to try in person!
Elina Kaljunen is a Finnish luthier based in Helsinki and one of the most talented makers of her generation. She works within the classical Italian tradition and is a player herself.
She draws on Cremonese, Venetian and Brescian models, returning most often to Stradivari and Guadagnini. Her craftsmanship is meticulous, and she takes particular care over setup, because as a violinist she knows how much of a player's experience of an instrument is decided there. She works closely with musicians on how each instrument is finished.
Her violins are played by professional musicians across Scandinavia and the United Kingdom.
We have been fortunate enough to have two Kaljunen models in the showroom at the same time, which is rare with a maker of her standing and makes the comparison worth having. The Stradivari model is immediately impressive: bright and powerful with real focus and projection, an extremely fast response, and a rich, deep sound that holds up even in the higher positions. The Guadagnini is the warmer of the two, with an overarching resonance right through the register and a velvety roundness to every note that suits a wide range of repertoire, and it still packs a punch in larger spaces. Highly recommended either way.
Mina Mazzolari is an award-winning maker working in the wonderful city of Cremona in the workshop of Edgar Russ. She is known for making soloist level instruments that always deliver on sound, and this one is no exception. We tried this violin in Cremona and we were immediately impressed by the sound. It has a laser-like focus and the response feels extremely pleasing to the player. If you are looking for an instrument with depth and projection, this is certainly one to try!
Mina Mazzolari was born in Korea in 1980 and is an award-winning luthier working in Cremona, in the workshop of Edgar Russ. She makes violins, violas and cellos, and is known for soloist-level instruments that consistently deliver on sound.
She studied piano for many years before her interest turned to stringed instruments, and after finishing school she went to the International Violinmaking School in Cremona. She competed at the International Competition for Stringed Instruments in 2003 and again in 2009, taking an honorary mention for a viola that placed fourth. She works from Guarneri del Gesu for violins and Montagnana for cellos, and her instruments carry certification from her and from the Consorzio Liutai Antonio Stradivari.
Her instruments are in high demand across Europe and beyond, particularly among soloists and chamber musicians.
We tried one of Mina's violins in Cremona and were immediately struck by the sound. It has a laser-like focus and a response that is very satisfying to play into, and it is the obvious choice for anyone looking for depth and projection together. Her Montagnana cellos have the physical and tonal characteristics of an antique Italian instrument, responding very quickly and projecting extremely well, with an outstanding low register and a powerful top. They suit a player who does a lot of solo and chamber repertoire and needs to be heard.
MyLuthier was started by two friends while they were studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London. The idea was to provide musicians with exceptional instruments at a price they can afford. We travelled Europe in search for the best contemporary makers and we’re proud of our selection and the partnerships we’ve developed.
Understanding violin restoration: Assess your instrument's condition, explore its historical value, calculate restoration costs, and appreciate the potential value increase. Consider personal and practical aspects, and explore the professional services offered by MyLuthier .
Most Stradivarius-labeled violins are replicas, not originals. They reflect Stradivari's enduring influence, not his direct craftsmanship.
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