Born in China in 1970,
Feng Jiang first learned the craft of violin making from his
father. He later studied at China's Central Conservatory of
Music in Beijing.
In 1997, Feng Jiang moved to United States, settling in
Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he worked at Alf Studios from 1998 to 2004. While at Alf
Studios, Feng focused his efforts on the making of new instruments, especially the
accurate study and making of golden era Cremonese models. He seeks every opportunity to
study the works of master Italian makers of the 17th and 18th centuries. As an outgrowth
of his time at Alf Studios, Feng views the tonal and visual qualities of a fine stringed
instrument as a direct expression of a maker's working methods, understanding and the
choice of materials.
Musicians
praise the quality of sound and playing ability of Feng Jiang's violins. Players who
purchased his violins include soloists Elmar
Oliveira; Judith
Ingolfsson; Wei-Gang Li, the first violin of the Shanghai
Quartet; and David
Taylor, the assistant concertmaster of Chicago Symphony Orchestra. These players and many
others have found in Feng Jiang's instruments a versatile musical tool that allows them
confidently and expressively to pursue their goals.
Feng Jiang has been invited to exhibit his instruments at events such as the International Violin Competition in Indianapolis and "Klanggestalten" in Berlin. He also frequently shows instruments at AFVBM's "Players Meet Makers". A member of Violin Society of America (VSA), and the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers (AFVBM), he has won some major awards in the field of violin making, including:
- A Silver medal for
violin in Violin Society of America's International Competition in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2000.
- A Certificate of Merit for viola in Violin Society of America's International Competition in Cincinnati, 2000.
- "Highly recommended of craftsmanship" in the British Violin Maker's Association's International competition in London, in 2004.
- A Gold medal for violin in Violin Society of America's competition in Portland, Oregon in 2004
|
