IMS - The Violin Project | Jennings Violins

The idea for this exciting project was formed in September 2016 when acclaimed luthier Stefan-Peter Greiner was invited by the Artistic Director Steven Isserlis to attend the Open Chamber Music seminar. During the seminar, he met our long-term resident luthier Mark Jennings and the two instrument makers decided to collaborate in the making of a new instrument, created especially for IMS Prussia Cove. In a truly collective effort, the violin was made during Open Chamber Music 2017 – and came to life with the help of musicians who travelled to a remote part of Cornwall from across the world to attend the seminar.

Following the success of the initial collaboration, Peter and Mark are going to continue the project over future IMS seminars, with an aim to make a quartet of instruments with and for IMS Prussia Cove.

New instruments created with the musicians of IMS Prussia Cove

The project will help the musicians to learn about their instruments from the inside out, while providing an educational blog for followers across the world. Watch with us as a violin is made, step-by-step, inspired by the unique environment of IMS Prussia Cove.

Follow us on our blog here!

The completed instruments will very generously be donated to the organisation by the makers, for which we are extremely grateful.

Mark Jennings discussing the ins and outs of purfling with Hilary Tunstall-Behrens Co-founder of the International Musicians Seminar at Prussia Cove in Cornwall. Photo by Miles Essex.

The Violin Project at Prussia Cove. Violinist Ben Hancox of the Sacconi Quartet along side Miriam Liske-Doorandish cellist. Photo by Miles Essex.

Mark Jennings and Peter Greiner in there workshop at IMS Prussia Cove. Alexi Kenney violinist. Photo by Miles Essex.