German born Steffen Nowak studied at  the "Welsh School of Violin Making" from where he  graduated  with  merit.
A professional Violin, Viola and Cello maker in Bristol since 1986 he mainly makes instruments based on models by the classical makers of Cremona. They are available in both  modern, classical and baroque set ups.

The year 2007 has seen a renewed concentration on Viola and Cello making. For 2008 a  new Viola after Gasparo da Salo as well as some more exciting violin projects are planned - but still leaving some room for 'spontaneous' other projects.

His instruments are carefully made to the highest standards of craftsmanship, and a fine oil varnish of his own  composition  enhances the  natural beauty of the traditional materials. Instruments can  also be  made as  antique reproductions. He also has the benefit of a very large stock of   well  seasoned  fine  tone woods  (Bosnian  maple,  English  sycamore,  European  and Canadian spruce).

His instruments offer a projective, even and dynamic sound to the discerning player. Chamber  musicians  and  soloists  from various European countries have  selected  instruments  from his  workshop.

Amongst  them are Prof. Rainer  Kussmaul (ex. Berlin Phil. Orchestra - now leader Berliner Barock-Solisten), Lutz  Gäbler and several  players  of  the  Handel  Festival Orchestra  of  Halle, Emma Alter (London), Christina Rox (Cologne), Robert Hyman (Bath Pump Room Trio),  Charles  Medlam  (London Baroque),  Sarah Butcher ( London), Ensemble  Zimmermann  (Denmark).

His  instruments  are also  found in  music colleges  and  Trusts  (Royal Danish   Academy of  Music  Copenhagen, London  Trinity College of Music, Benslow Music Trust).

Steffen Nowak welcomes enquiries about his instruments and would be pleased to discuss the process of  commissioning one of his instruments though it is also possible to find some instruments in stock.

contact:  Steffen Nowak, 75 Sylvia Avenue, Bristol BS3 5BU  ph. 0117 9777141   e-mail:  s@nowakviolins.co.uk

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