Feng Jiang

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, design, 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   

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

   

 

Arie Werbrouck, assistant

Born and raised in Belgium, Arie Werbrouck moved to the United States in 1989. A graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, Mr. Werbrouck attended the New England Conservatory, where he completed his Bachelor's degree in Music Performance. He later graduated from the North Bennett Street School in violin making under the instruction of Roman Barnas.

While studing and working in Boston, Arie Werbrouck has worked with Ray Melanson and has assisted Francis Morris at the University of New Hampshire's Violin Making program. He has also participated in Hans Nebel's workshops in Western Massachusetts. Mr. Werbrouck moved to Ann Arbor in 2009 where he worked for Shar Music and then Feng Jiang's studio.

Arie still enjoys playing music, he plays in a local band.

© 2012 Feng Jiang Violins    1711 Springmill Lane, Ann Arbor, MI 48108