Andrey Denisov spent most of his life in Russia, where he was a foremost surgeon. Upon retirement he moved to South Africa, joining his family in Durban. There his lifelong interest in violins and violinmaking became his main occupation. After producing several violins, Denisov then turned his attention to making cellos, of which this instrument was the first. His second cello is now being used by Boris Kerimov, Principal Cellist of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra in Durban. Sadly Andrey Denisov passed away late in 2011.
This cello is entirely made of South African materials and conforms to the modeling, features and craftsmanship one would expect in a serious instrument. The blemishes in the back add to the overall character and appeal of the cello. It appears from all his instruments that Denisov has solved one of the biggest problems violinmakers in South Africa encounter - that of the varnish. His oil-based varnish on all his instruments is consistently appealing with a warm golden brown color and very fine silky smoothness that compliments the woods and enhances the tone.
The tone in this cello is good and the instrument would serve a talented student very well.