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Montpellier, violin-making capital

 
Numerous luthiers have setup their workshops in the heart of Montpellier's Sainte Anne neighbourhood, between the Conservatory of Music and the Carré Sainte Anne (former church now converted into an exhibition hall). Here talented artisans craft fine instruments to be distributed around the world.
A bit of history

The first record of violin-makers in Montpellier dates back to 1768, when an anonymous luthier came from Italy to setup a musical instrument and repair shop. In 1792, there were five luthiers, including one woman, with workshops near the theatre, on the Grand Rue and next to the treasury building. By the 19th century this number had grown to over 15 shops selling instruments, though mostly focusing on repairing them. As the city grew, many luthiers moved to the outskirts.

 

Luthier (© Allie Bogle)
With its wars, emergence of recorded music and new forms of leisure, the 20th century was hard on the profession.

Then local violin making took off again in the 1980's. Today there are 9 luthiers in Montpellier, providing special orders as artisans and fine instrument-makers. This explains why they are somewhat "hidden" in workshops, rather than on display behind a boutique window.


A true gathering place for artists and creators, the Sainte Anne neighbourhood is also home to the International Music Academy of Montpellier. This organisation works to promote and teach musical culture by inviting reputed international professors to teach classes.

The International Music Academy of Montpellier (AIMM) has now been in action for 5 years. AIMM president Frédéric Chaudière holds a diploma in violin making and takes over the National Music Conservatory for his summer school held each year in July.
Lutherie (© Allie Bogle)
Around twenty prominent music professors from around the world give a variety of classes. The forty or so students attending this privileged summer school are already accomplished musicians who wish to improved their skills and take advantage of advice from such great professors.

In addition to organising its summer school, AIMM works closely with the Radio France music festival, providing some of its own artists for this world-class annual event.


Good to know

The Montpellier Tourist Office offers exclusive visits of local violin-makers' workshops Individual tourists can now visit these workshops 3 - 4 times a year as part of the guided tours offered by the Montpellier Tourist Office; groups can book a tour any time during the year (reservations required). These unique visits take guests from the Comédie opera house to the violin-makers' workshops and wind up with a private concert in one of the city's private mansions.

 

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Montpellier Tourist Office - 30, allée Jean de Lattre de Tassigny - 34000 Montpellier - France
Tel. +33 (0)4 67 60 60 60 - Fax +33 (0)4 67 60 60 61 - contact@ot-montpellier.fr

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