Established in 2011 by Julie Reed Yeboah of Reed Yeboah Fine Violins and Yi-Ping Yang, the Contemporary Violin and Bow Makers Exhibition has become an annual event dedicated to presenting the finest living violin and bow makers. This exhibition allows musicians and enthusiasts to experience exceptional violins, violas, cellos, and bows firsthand.
The 2025 edition will take place at The Kosciuszko Foundation, located at 15 East 65th Street in New York City. A notable feature of this year’s exhibition is the Opening Night Concert, which will be broadcast live on The Violin Channel on October 24 at 7 PM Eastern Time.
Background and Mission
Now in its 14th year, although it skipped one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the exhibition remains steadfast in its mission. It aims to celebrate and promote the extraordinary creations of contemporary violin and bow makers from around the globe. Julie Reed Yeboah has often expressed that the current era is truly remarkable for violin making, given the exceptional quality of instruments being crafted. The exhibition seeks to highlight this impressive standard of craftsmanship.
What to Expect
Attendees can expect to see an impressive collection comprising over 45 string instruments—including violins, violas, and cellos—and more than 35 bows. The precise numbers are still to be confirmed but expected to be around 47 or 48 instruments. The makers represented come from an international lineup, featuring both familiar and new artisans invited personally by Julie Reed Yeboah and Yi-Ping Yang. This personal approach fosters strong, long-term relationships within the violin making community.
Playing and Purchasing Instruments
All the displayed instruments and bows are available for attendees to play, providing a hands-on experience to find the perfect fit. Furthermore, every piece featured at the exhibition is for sale, giving visitors a unique opportunity to acquire exceptional instruments directly from the makers.
Visitor Information and Tips
Visitors do not need to RSVP and can attend the exhibition any time between 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM Eastern Time from October 25 through October 27. For those seeking a quieter experience, several private rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis to try instruments in a more secluded environment.
Given the extensive range of makers and instruments on display, attendees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the participants beforehand. Detailed information, including maker biographies and photographs of their work, is available on the Reed Yeboah Fine Violins website at www.reedyeboahviolins.com. Additionally, Julie Reed Yeboah, Yi-Ping Yang, and their knowledgeable staff will be present during the event to assist visitors and answer any questions.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
