Italian violin making arrives in Moldova: first public string instrument collection
In Chișinău, the first collection of string instruments in the Republic of Moldova was inaugurated, a major project initiated by the Organ Hall in partnership with the Ministry of Culture. The collection consists of 24 musical instruments, entirely crafted by the renowned luthier Cesare Cipriani from Cremona, the Italian city considered the cradle of European violin making. On this occasion, a documentary was presented, showcasing in detail the artistic and technical process of creating the instruments.
“I have long dreamed for the orchestra to have quality instruments, and now that historic moment has come,” said Larisa Zubcu, director of the Organ Hall.
Ten years ago, Cristian Florea, the artistic director of the National Chamber Orchestra, met luthier Cesare Cipriani, one of the great violin makers of Cremona, Italy. He proposed that Cipriani create a set of string instruments for the National Chamber Orchestra of Chișinău.
“For me, and for any luthier, this is somehow the pinnacle of a career, the ultimate fulfillment,” said Cesare Cipriani, laureate of the “Antonio Stradivari” Competition.
Now, Moldovan musicians are playing on 24 new instruments: 15 violins, four violas, four cellos, and one double bass, all crafted in the tradition of Cremona masters Stradivari and Guarneri. For half a year, the National Chamber Orchestra tested the instruments and has already earned applause at the prestigious “George Enescu” International Festival in Bucharest.
“For me, every instrument is a project, and a project is only complete when the instrument begins to sound—and sound mature. How long did I work on this set of instruments? I can’t say. For one instrument, for example, even after finishing it, you might reopen it five or six times, and it could take another year. It’s a continuous creation,” emphasized Cesare Cipriani.
“For us, the musicians in the orchestra, this is very important—it helps us play with clarity, precision, and softness,” said violinist Radu Buimistru.
“I found the idea of having a chamber orchestra where all the instruments, all the strings, are made by the hand of a single luthier very intriguing. That’s why, from the very beginning, I was enthusiastic and supported this idea,” stated Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan.
According to specialists, over the years these instruments, through their artistic and historical value, will gain depth of sound and character. The collection could be used not only by the National Chamber Orchestra but also by other ensembles or talented young performers.
