Description
Ming Jiang Zhu (1955-2014) was one of the world\’s most respected contemporary violin makers and an incredible success story worthy of international attention. As a teen he started working in construction, a more lucrative industry, and soon his keen interest and skills in woodworking and painting set him apart from his peers. He had never held or even seen a violin in his life, but at age 20 he was one of 25 fortunate students selected to study at the then-new Guangzhou Musical Instruments School in China. The institution has since produced many famous world-class makers. In 1991 he opened his own home workshop in a corner closet-sized space of his tiny 215 square foot apartment crafting his own brand: Mingjiang Violins. Mr. Zhu went on to win an impressive nineteen VSA awards over the next 20 years, including two Gold Medals in Violin Making [1994 and 2006] and a Silver Award in Viola making [1996]. These impressive and enviable accolates saw him gain much respect in the luthier world as well as practice rooms, concert halls, and well beyond.
