Giovanni Colonna

Welcome!

My name is Giovanni Colonna, and I am a Cremonese luthier, graduated from the Antonio Stradivari School of Lutherie in 2000 under the guidance of Maestro Vincenzo Bissolotti. His teachings instilled in me a great attention to constructive precision and the impeccable use of tools, especially in carving. Thanks to him, I discovered one of my greatest talents: recognizing the perfect woods for lutherie. In 2004 I opened my workshop in the heart of the centre of Cremona, and 2 years later I founded a company for the production and selection of raw materials for musical instruments, becoming one of the leading experts worldwide in the research and selection of wood for lutherie.

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My Journey

In addition to my training, I had the privilege to work alongside Muneyuki Nakazawa, a prominent dealer of antique instruments. Through our friendship, I was able to study closely the masterpieces of Cremonese makers like Antonio Stradivari or Guarneri del Gesù. This allowed me to further improve the acoustic quality of my instruments. Today, I can say that my work combines the tradition of the classic masters with a continuous pursuit of acoustic perfection, which is why many musicians rely on me for their high-level instruments.

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My Workshop

Since 2004, my workshop has been located at Corso Matteotti, 11 in Cremona. This place has become a reference point for musicians from around the world, who come here to enhance the sound of their instruments. Every violin, viola, or cello I create is unique, the result of meticulous attention to materials and profound craftsmanship. Each instrument is tailored to meet the specific needs of the player, as I believe that a true instrument must reflect the personality and soul of the musician.

 

Restoration, Maintenance, and Customization Services

In addition to making new instruments, I also offer restoration and maintenance services, providing perfect acoustic setups. Thanks to my experience as a musician, I understand the needs of the players and optimize their instrument to express its full sonic potential. Furthermore, I create fully customized instruments after an intensive dialogue with the musician, allowing the instrument to take shape based on their desires and needs.

 

My Vision for Lutherie

​I chose to open my workshop in Cremona to remain close to the place where the greatest violins in history were created. However, I believe that the future of lutherie knows no boundaries. Over the years, I have collaborated with many luthiers around the world, and each of them has enriched my journey. This openness led me to found Academia Cremonensis in 2014, a lutherie school where I share traditional knowledge combined with a modern and global approach, ensuring that the Cremonese tradition continues to thrive in the hands of new generations.

 

Educational Values: My Experience with the Waldorf School

In addition to lutherie, I am also the President of the Waldorf School of Cremona, an institution that promotes a free education based on values of creativity and independence. These educational principles have deeply influenced me and have been integrated into my work with students at Academia Cremonensis. I believe in the importance of guiding each student on their individual path, allowing them to develop their artistic talent freely. This approach has made my students among the best contemporary luthiers, leading them to win some of the most prestigious international lutherie competitions each year.

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