Emmanuel Gradoux-Matt
Encyclopedia
Emmanuel Gradoux-Matt is an internationally known and respected luthier
, CEO and founder of Gradoux-Matt Rare Violins, LLC. He serves on the board of the Long Island Conservatory of Music, the Aspen Music Festival, the Marlboro Music Festival, and the Heifetz International Music Institute and holds offices in the International Society of Violin and Bow Makers (Entente), the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, and the Violin Society of America.
and worked as Vice President of Morel & Gradoux-Matt, Inc. for over 13 years. In 2008, the pair parted ways and Gradoux-Matt founded Gradoux-Matt Rare Violins LLC, and WMP Concert Hall at the new location of 31 East 28th Street in New York.
For over 25 years, Gradoux-Matt has developed new methods of restoration and repair. He often restores and cares for the world's most famous instruments, made by masters like Antonio Stradivari
and Giuseppe Guarneri
. In addition, Gradoux-Matt does sound adjustments for some of the world's most distinguished soloists, ensemble, and orchestra players. Some of his most universally applauded clients include Yo-Yo Ma
and Joshua Bell
.
Luthier
A luthier is someone who makes or repairs lutes and other string instruments. In the United States, the term is used interchangeably with a term for the specialty of each maker, such as violinmaker, guitar maker, lute maker, etc...
, CEO and founder of Gradoux-Matt Rare Violins, LLC. He serves on the board of the Long Island Conservatory of Music, the Aspen Music Festival, the Marlboro Music Festival, and the Heifetz International Music Institute and holds offices in the International Society of Violin and Bow Makers (Entente), the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, and the Violin Society of America.
Early life
Emmanuel Gradoux-Matt was born in Germany, but was raised alongside his two brothers in Switzerland.Professional life
Gradoux-Matt was schooled in the methods of violin-making in both Europe and the United States. Gradoux-Matt graduated first in his class with distinction from the Newark Violin Making School, which is part of the Nottingham Technical College. His experience in various ateliers includes Pierre Gerber in Lausanne, Switzerland, whom Gradoux-Matt credits as the most prominent influence on developing his early interest in the artistic, social, and musical aspects of violin-making. Gradoux-Matt also worked with W.E. Hill & Sons in Great Missenden, England, and with Jacques Francais in New York. Shortly after the establishment of René A. Morel Rare Violins, Gradoux-Matt became partner to René A. MorelRené A. Morel
René A. Morel was an experienced and influential luthier who was highly regarded by leading international string players, who had been described as "arguably the best violin restorer in the world"...
and worked as Vice President of Morel & Gradoux-Matt, Inc. for over 13 years. In 2008, the pair parted ways and Gradoux-Matt founded Gradoux-Matt Rare Violins LLC, and WMP Concert Hall at the new location of 31 East 28th Street in New York.
For over 25 years, Gradoux-Matt has developed new methods of restoration and repair. He often restores and cares for the world's most famous instruments, made by masters like Antonio Stradivari
Antonio Stradivari
Antonio Stradivari was an Italian luthier and a crafter of string instruments such as violins, cellos, guitars, violas, and harps. Stradivari is generally considered the most significant artisan in this field. The Latinized form of his surname, Stradivarius, as well as the colloquial, "Strad", is...
and Giuseppe Guarneri
Giuseppe Guarneri
Bartolomeo Giuseppe Antonio Guarneri, del Gesù was an Italian luthier from the Guarneri house of Cremona. He rivals Antonio Stradivari with regard to the respect and reverence accorded his instruments, and he has been called the finest violin maker of the Amati line...
. In addition, Gradoux-Matt does sound adjustments for some of the world's most distinguished soloists, ensemble, and orchestra players. Some of his most universally applauded clients include Yo-Yo Ma
Yo-Yo Ma
Yo-Yo Ma is an American cellist, virtuoso, and orchestral composer. He has received multiple Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts in 2001 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011...
and Joshua Bell
Joshua Bell
Joshua David Bell is an American Grammy Award-winning violinist.-Childhood:Bell was born in Bloomington, Indiana, United States, the son of a psychologist and a therapist. Bell's father is the late Alan P...
.