A few months ago, I received an email from the owner of one of my slightly smaller cellos, that she bought on resale ten years ago. In Rebecca's own words, this was the situation: In 2015 I sustained an injury to my left wrist which severely impacted my ability to perform. After taking some time off, I spent the next few years addressing my technique and physical condition. By 2021, although I had made significant progress and was able to play again, I felt as though I was reaching a limit with … [Read more...]
Helen's Blog
Newark School of Violin Making 50th anniversary
Having taken over running the annual Lutherie conferences that take place in Newark, it seems that last year's event was just the warm-up act. We realised that the 2022-23 academic year marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of Newark School of Violin Making, and what better way to celebrate the anniversary than to pick speakers who reflected the range and depth of talent that NSVM has produced, and to turn the conference into a reunion. Huge thanks go also to my colleagues and friends Tim … [Read more...]
Klanggestalten 2023
Early in 2023 the phone rang. "Hello Helen, do you know about Klanggestalten? Would you like to join us this year?". It was an enticing offer and I was keen to accept. The German violin makers’ association Klanggestalten (Designs in Sound) has long been on my radar. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, it was formed by a group of like-minded violin and bow makers to share ideas and promote their work. The highlight of their calendar is an annual exhibition in Berlin of the work of its … [Read more...]
