Antonio Rizzo 16 1/2" viola, Torrance, California, 2025, age 98

focused, resonant, even

About the Instrument
This viola has a focused sound that opens with each note, giving the tone an excellent quality, even across all four strings. The gold varnish is over a gold ground, giving this instrument a striking color. It's narrow flames fall slightly from the center joint of the two-piece maple back with slightly plainer wood on the ribs, neck, and scroll.

Interior label reads: “Antonio Rizzo da Torrance / fece nell anno 2025 / 173 di anni 98" with the luthier's signature
Length: 416 mm
Upper Bouts: 197 mm
Middle: 137 mm
Lower Bouts: 245 mm

About the Maker
Maestro Antonio Rizzo (1927- ) is a contemporary violinmaker, engineer, and inventor. He has close to four 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 99, he is one of the oldest active violinmakers in the United States, continuing making fine instruments, sounding better than ever. He recently won 1st Place Gold for Viola Tone and 2nd Place Silver for Violin Tone from the VMAAI Competition 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 176 instruments, which include 142 violins, 13 violas and 21 cellos.

https://www.arviolins.com/