Before my hands ever met maple and spruce, I was a violinist. Not just any violinist — I was first violin in a Ukrainian symphonic orchestra , living the life of rehearsals, solos, and the occasional fingernail disaster. Music was everything, and the violin was my constant companion. But as every serious player knows, there’s always that nagging question: Is there a better violin out there? I decided to find out. I saved every penny to buy the violin I had been dreaming of —

Nestled in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Cremona  is a city steeped in history, culture, and art. Known for its picturesque piazzas, Renaissance architecture, and rich musical heritage, Cremona has long been a hub of artistic creativity. But what truly sets it apart on the global stage is its unique connection to violin making , a craft that has shaped the city’s identity for centuries. Cremona: A Cultural and Artistic Hub Cremona has been a center of culture since t

You might think the most important critics of a newly finished violin are soloists, orchestral musicians, or serious collectors. In my workshop, however, the final judgment comes from creatures with whiskers, strong opinions, and absolutely no interest in market trends. Yes, my cats. Four-legged (in this case, three-legged, as one is a newly rescued cat) critics with very high standards. Now, Italian violins are beloved by musicians for good reasons — incredible tone, express