Maker

Vanna So Violin Workshop

The Maker of Fine Instruments

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MAKER

Before I start to tell you about myself, I would

like to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Bill Lee, the owner of William Harris Lee & Co. who gave me my first opportunity to pursue violin making. I would also like to thank William Whedbee and Tetsuo Matsuda for their patience, kindness, and willingness to instruct me on the art and craft of the Cremona School technique. I can never thank them enough for their guidance.

I was born in the Kampong Cham province of

Cambodia in 1959. Prior to my arrival in the United States, I worked as a school teacher and principal from 1982-1985.

I came to Chicago in 1986 and was employed by

William Harris Lee & Co. the following year. During the

next two years, I worked under the careful supervision of William Whedbee, gaining interest in the craft and yearning to learn more.

But it was not until the years of 1989-1993, as Tetsuo Matsuda's assistant, that I developed a drive to

engage in part time violin making. During this time, I continued to educate myself on technique and creating

my own style. After Matsuda's departure from the company in 1993, I was given a promotion to a full time

maker. In recent years I have become a independent maker, working from my own workshop.

Thus far in my career I have made 493 instruments, many of which are played by professional musicians

and advanced students all around the United States and Europe.

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Last Updated on: Wednesday, January 25, 2012