Antonio Rizzo violin, Torrance, California, 2023, age 96

This instrument is part of our 7th annual Contemporary American Makers Exhibition, 2024

Maestro Antonio Rizzo, violinmaker, engineer and inventor, was born in 1927. He has more than three decades of experience making fine quality instruments using the Italian influence on style, character and tone quality. Maestro Rizzo was tutored by several master makers in Italy and in the United States, acquiring the traditional techniques of violin making of the Italian schools. He has received over 30 premier awards for his workmanship and tone quality of his instruments. At age 95, he continues making fine instruments, sounding better than ever. Mr. Rizzo was a former President of the Southern California Association of Violin Makers. He has conducted many presentations and seminars on violin making, emphasizing construction techniques, varnish making, setup and adjustments for sound quality. He is also a member of the Violin Society of America, and several other violin makers associations. He has made 162 instruments, which include 129 violins, 12 violas and 21 cellos.

AME7VN