A Bulgarian wins prize at International luthier contest
The best luthiers from all over the world gathered at the International contemporary Violin, Viola, Violoncello and Guitar Luthier Contest in Kazanlak. The products were evaluated by a jury which has the unique capacity to certify instruments with the name of Antonio Stradivari.
The luthier Vladimir Ivanov has won first prize in the viola category. He went mad about making and restoration of stringed instruments at school and graduated in „luthierie” at the Art School in Kazanlak. Vladimir thinks a good luthier must work with much love.
Vladimir Ivanov: Firstly, a nice instrument should be very well made. It should look very nice and the most important thing is to play perfectly!
The viola making may take nearly 10 months. The wood has to be specially selected.
Vladimir Ivanov: Sycamore and spruce (with a few exceptions) аre most often used. The quality of the wood is of outstanding significance.
Nowadays Vladimir works in Cologne, Germany. In addition to making instruments he also deals with restoration.
Vladimir Ivanov: Very often Guadagnini and Gagliano violins come, which cost up to 1.5 million euros. Unique instruments come. It’s a big honor to hold such unique instruments in my hands. It’s amazing.
The prestigious string music event dedicated to the world famous virtuoso Antonio Stradivari has been organized for 80 years mostly in his hometown Cremona. It has seldom been in another Italian city but never left the boundaries of Italy. It is the first time the festival has taken place in the town of Kazanlak, Bulgaria.
