PLAY! Festival 2023

The purported inventor of the violin is Andrea Amati. Amati was originally a lute maker, but turned to the new instrument form of violin in the mid-16th century, and since then the violin has become a cornerstone instrument in music history. Join us for this special lecture-recital, where Luthier Arnaud Giral join us to talk us through three violins of the baroque period and what makes them so unique. This presentation will be accompanied by solo violin works performed by undergraduate baroque specialist, Christopher Li. 

About Arnaud Giral

After completing my violin making studies in Newark in 2004, I set up my own shop and started my research on original set-up of bowed strings instruments. This self-taught learning period allowed me to innovate and approach the theme of historical set-up with a new freshness.

Since then, I have continued my research in both musical instrument museums and private collections. I make copies of violins, violas, cellos and viols from the early 17th century to the early 19th century with a particular attention to stringing and set-up.

My aim is to create instruments for today’s musicians with an historically informed approach because I believe that knowledge is a source of creative freedom. I am based in West Dean, West Sussex, UK.