Riccardo Bergonzi

Riccardo Bergonzi is one of many contemporary makers living and working in the historic violin-making city of Cremona, Italy. He was born there in 1961, and he began his work as a violin maker when he was only 12. Bergonzi started his training at the workshop of Stefano Conia. In 1979, he graduated from the Cremona School of Violin making at the top of his class and received the Gold Medal “G. Merola”. Shortly after his graduation, he began teaching in Cremona. During his 10 years as a teacher, he received many awards for his instruments. He won a gold medal as the “youngest violin maker” at the Bagnacavallo exhibition. In 1988 and 1990, he won gold medals at the Bagnacavallo exhibition, and in 1991 he won first place for a viola at the Cremona International Triennal.

Bergonzi puts careful attention to the set up of his instruments, resulting in a rich and powerful sound quality. He also enjoys painting, sculpting, and wood and bronze working. His hobbies have complemented his work as a violin maker, causing him to be even more attentive to artistic details on his instruments.