Bogotá, Colombia – The second Workshop on the Repair and Maintenance of Stringed Instruments, sponsored by the Salvi Foundation Colombia brought together 18 participants from Leticia, Buenaventura, Pereira, Manizales, Villavicencio, Cali, Medellín and Bogotá to study with master luthier, Carlos Arcieri of New York City. Co-hosts of the workshop, which took place from June 2-7, were the Ministry of Culture, the SENA, Salvi Foundation Colombia, Batuta Foundation and the School of Arts and Crafts Santo Domingo. The purpose of the five-day event was to train artisans to make and restore musical instruments.
Colombian born, Carlos Arcieri, began his career as a luthier while a student of Italian Master Simone Fernando Sacconi at the Rembert Wurlitzer house, a construction and restoration workshop for stringed instruments. Upon the death of his teacher and subsequent closing of the workshop, Mr. Arcieri continued to fulfill the orders of his teacher and mentor. Eventually he opened his own studio in New York City: Arcieri Violin Maker & Restorer. His clients include such well-known artists as cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist and violist Pinchas Zuckerman, among others.
Mr. Arcieri is widely recognized as an expert at restoring ancient violins, including famous Stradivarius instruments – the finest and most sought after in the world. Currently, Mr. Arcieri is the only Colombian member of the L’Entente Internationale des Maitres Luthiers Archetiers et d’Art, a worldwide organization of experts in violin restoration. He is also the youngest founding member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers established in 1980.
"We were very fortunate that Maestro Arcieri was able to come to Bogotá and share his expertise in restoring stringed instruments with his colleagues in Colombia" said Sandra Meluk, director of the Salvi Foundation Colombia. "His professionalism and skill as a luthier have earned him world-wide praise, the knowledge he shared during the workshop provided a unique hands-on learning experience for the participants." Eighteen violins from the Batuta Foundation were repaired during the recent workshop.
"It is very gratifying to see the interest and enthusiasm of our instrument makers as they participate in professional development opportunities such as Maestro Arcieri’s workshop," says María Isabel Restrepo, director of the School of Arts and Crafts Santo Domingo. "Such experiences not only enhance their technical abilities, the knowledge they acquire enhances the performances of the musicians who depend on their expertise."
The Salvi Foundation Colombia is dedicated to bringing outstanding specialists to the country to build and strengthen the growing network of cultural partnerships, to create new apprenticeship opportunities, and to enhance the skills of current instrument makers in the country. The next workshop is scheduled for October, 2008.
For additional information on the Salvi Foundation music restoration series please contact Eddy Gómez (egomez@cartagenamusicfestival.com - cellular 313 841 5214) or the Foundation Salvi Colombia, (57 1) 622 0252
Editors Note: Photographs of Carlos Arcieri and students participating in the workshop are available upon request.
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