From Cremona to London

Royal Academy of Music curator of instruments Barbara Meyer and luthiers present a workshop demonstration introducing the fascinating history of stringed instrument making. The event focuses on the violin and the famous classical instrument-making community in Cremona, Italy between 1550 and 1750. During this period, a handful of highly skilled local families, among them the Amatis, Guarneris, Rugeris and Stradivaris, created an array of bowed string instruments. Their methods and understanding of proportions and materials have set the precedent for all subsequent instrument makers, up to and still guiding and inspiring the current generation of luthiers.

With the help of images, wood examples and a small selection of tools, visitors gain an insight into the making tradition. The illustrated 30-minute talk about the history of violin making is accompanied by a demonstration from an Academy student comparing a few modern and period instruments from the Academy museum collection.

The talk is followed by a brief tour of the strings gallery adjacent to the luthier studio.