Dawne Haddad is one of South Africa's leading luthiers. She obtained a diploma in violinmaking in Cremona in 1982, where she worked and studied for 13 years, under the illustrious maestro Francesco Bissolotti. Dawne also specialised in instrument restoration under the guidance of Bruce Carlson. She returned to Cape Town in 1991.
She has made numerous violins, violas and cellos and is currently making cello number 60. Her instruments are played worldwide, from Anchorage to Adelaide, in orchestras like the the Berlin Philharmonic and the Lyric Opera in Chicago.
Internationally acclaimed musicians such as David Geringas, Janos Starker and Maria Kliegel have praised her work. In the words of Marian Lewin, the doyenne of cellists in South Africa: "My cello 'Maestoso' is going from strength to strength. It has given me hours of pleasure in practise and performance. Thank you Dawne."
This splendid instrument is based on the Stradivarius viola of 1650. The belly is made from fine-grained 30-year-old spruce from the Dolomite Alps. The scroll, back and ribs are from deeply flamed curly maple. The workmanship is exquisite, the fine handmade purfling creating a lovely overall impression.
The sound of the viola can be described as warm and responsive, with a deep sonorous bass. The eminent South African concert violinist and teacher, Prof. Jurgen Schwietering, owns a similar viola made by Dawne in 2004.
Price: R65 000
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