Brian Lisus is a violin maker born in South Africa, who started the first violin making School in South Africa. He is currently teaching in Ojai, California, US, and owns a violin making shop there.[1]
Early life edit
Lisus was raised in a South African suburb of Cape Town in a musical family. His godfather was a cellist and Lisus grew up listening to the music of family and of visiting musicians.[2]
Violin-making edit
Lisus uses mainly 16th-century instrument-making methods and materials. He makes his own varnish from walnut oil, Strasbourg turpentine mixed with plant resins such as mastic, and sandarac.[2]
He is known as the Maker of "The Quartet of Peace", which honors the 4 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates from South Africa: Nelson Mandela, F.W. de Klerk, Albert Luthuli and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The instruments have been played at charity events that support music education for children in South Africa.[2][3][4] He named the two violins, viola, and cello Freedom, Peace, Reconciliation and Hope.[5]
References edit
- ^ Gregory, Kim Lamb (14 December 2013). "Internationally-known South African violin maker sets up shop in Ojai". Ventura County Star. Camarillo, CA.
- ^ a b c Stelzer, Savannah (14 August 2013). "Violin Maker". Santa Barbara Independent. Santa Barbara, CA.
- ^ "A luthier's tribute to Nelson Mandela". The Strad. 6 December 2013 [First published December 2010]. Archived from the original on 30 May 2015. Retrieved 3 May 2015.
- ^ Erasmus, Janine. "South African quartet plays for peace". Media Club South Africa.
- ^ "The Instruments". Quartet of Peace.