In India, professional violinists have traditionally used acoustic violins sourced from the remnants of British colonial instruments, gifts, or imports from abroad. Despite the violin’s central role in Carnatic music performances, India has lacked a dedicated community of craftsmen skilled in the art of handcrafting acoustic violins.
Recognizing this critical void, GJR, a key figure behind the Violin Wise project, sought out an expert luthier named James Wimmer based in Santa Barbara. Wimmer was enlisted to help advance the Violin Wise initiative’s mission of cultivating violin craftsmanship within India.
Challenges and Breakthroughs in Training Luthiers
Contrary to expectations, the Violin Wise project initially struggled to gain traction. Despite the Lalgudi trust’s efforts to launch the program to address a significant gap in Indian violin music, interest from potential trainees was minimal. GJR expressed disappointment that while it was possible to bring James Wimmer from overseas to impart his specialized skills, local artisans and musicians were hesitant to pause their work to acquire these new competencies.
He noted, “People here were reluctant to close their shops for upskilling, and we had no registrations until we offered compelling incentives to complete the residency.” Once registrations began, only a few participants managed to meet the demanding requirements and duration of the course. Those dedicated individuals who persevered in each iteration of Violin Wise acquired intricate and specialized expertise in violin repair and restoration.
During the program’s fifth edition, four students were selected for focused training in the craft of violin making under James Wimmer’s guidance. Today, these emerging luthiers are skillfully creating replicas of Stradivarius violins that meet international standards.
Reflecting on this progress, GJR shared, “In this way, I made a small beginning in realizing my dream of contributing meaningfully to the violin community in India.”
The New Generation of Indian Luthiers
The four students benefiting from the Violin Wise workshops include Sathyanarayan, a Chennai-based violinist; Murali and Vinay Murali, a father and son team from Kerala; and Renjith, a professional carpenter also hailing from Kerala. Their diverse backgrounds showcase the broad appeal and impact of the program.
Renjith recounted his journey, saying, “As a carpenter, I love classical music like many in Kerala and started learning the violin. At first, I borrowed an instrument to practice lessons. But using my carpentry skills, I was curious and attempted to make a violin on my own, without any formal knowledge of violin construction.”
Thanks to the Violin Wise project, seasoned professionals like Renjith have an opportunity to refine their skills, contributing to the growth of indigenous violin craftsmanship in India.
Source: www.newindianexpress.com
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
