Georgian Masters Surpass in Crafting Celebrated Cremonese Violins
Tbilisi Welcomes Its First Professional Violin Workshop
The vibrant city of Tbilisi has embarked on a musical journey with the launch of its first professional workshop dedicated to the production of handcrafted violins. This pioneering initiative has been established within the stringed instrument workshop of the Tbilisi State Chamber Orchestra, "Georgian Sinfonietta," with specialized equipment funded by the Georgian Ministry of Culture.
This workshop represents a significant milestone, as it marks the first time Georgia has a facility committed to creating stringed instruments that adhere to advanced European standards. The talented artisans at this workshop will not only craft new violins but will also be equipped to repair and enhance the sound quality of existing instruments, ensuring a rich legacy of musical craftsmanship in the region.
Leading this artistic endeavor is Levan Tsintsadze, the only Georgian certified luthier from the esteemed Cremonese violin-making school. Tsintsadze is a master of classical stringed instruments, as well as an expert restorer and musician. A graduate of the stringed instruments department of the Tbilisi State Conservatory in 1982, Tsintsadze honed his skills under Italian violin-making masters and graduated from the prestigious Antonio Stradivari International Institute of Violin Making in Cremona—known as the cradle of violin-making—back in 1996.
The rich history of violin making in Cremona can be traced back to 1539, when the first violin workshop was established. At that time, Andrea Amati crafted a unique method that would be passed down through generations, culminating in the extraordinary legacy of Antonio Stradivari. In 2012, the craftsmanship and knowledge of the Cremonese violin makers were recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
Not only will the Tbilisi workshop serve as a beacon of the Cremonese school’s principles within Georgia, but it is also poised to become a regional hub for artisans and musicians alike. Experts predict that the workshop will attract orders for repairs, tuning, and new instrument manufacturing from neighboring countries and even beyond.
As Tbilisi embraces this musical renaissance, the future looks bright for local musicians and artisans, promising a vibrant blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern artistry.
