Hiroshi Iizuka violin, Philadelphia, 1991 | Metzler Violins

But, at age 26, Iizuka turned to violins after he heard one played for the first time at a concert. Soon thereafter, he began a two-year apprenticeship with Soroku Murata (the founder and headmaster of the Tokyo Violin Making School). Moving to Mittenwald, Iizuka earned his license from the German Chamber of Handwork and met his future wife, Daniela Stern. In 1977, the couple moved to the States, living in a rent-free carriage house, while Stern worked at the venerable (now closed) William Moennig & Son violin shop. Violist Emanuel Vardi bought an instrument from Iizuka in 1982, and word-of-mouth has fueled a near constant demand for his instruments
ever since. 

His renown spread—the late Michael Tree of the Guarneri Quartet played an Iikuza and often sang its praise. But the enduring proof of Iikuza’s skill is in his work—in the wood. And his instruments continue to find their way into the hands—and hearts—of orchestral and chamber players.