Sibylle Ruppert

Having completed the 3 year course at the Welsh School of Violinmaking in
Abertridwr, GB in 1983, Sibylle Ruppert spend the following 5 years working with
Gerriet Groth in Wiesbaden and Martin Koch Löbner in Tübingen.
In 1988 she emigrated to Canada , establishing shop with husband and fellow
luthier Gregory Walke in Paisley Ontario.
While repair work for city shops featured large at the beginning, Sibylle has
created and sold new instruments every year throughout her working life.
Sibylle continues servicing and maintaining string instruments in her area, but new
making has become the focus. An archive of classic outlines and information on
violins and cellos- instruments, which have drawn her attention over the years,
serve for reference.
Besides classic outlines, Sibylle uses a cello design and two violin models of her
own and appreciates the work of contemporary makers. Being geographically
rooted with the choice of materials is another important aspect of Sibylle’s work.
She has explored Canadian Maples, Poplar and Tulip Wood as well as White- and
Engleman Spruce and uses North American woods frequently.
Organizations such as the VSA , the exhibits of the Canadian Forum of Makers and
regionally the luthiers’ meeting at the annual Sweetwater Music Festival in Owen
Sound have stripped violinmaking of its secretive manner, and fostered a lively
exchange.
Sibylle enjoys being part of celebratory collaborations such as the Sweetwater
Baroque Violin for founder Mark Fewer and the violin made by members of the
Canadian Forum of Luthiers for Hao Zhou, winner of the 2019 Montreal
International Violin Competition.( CMIM). Likewise Sibylle Ruppert knows
herself to be in good company with this 2022 Exhibit Celebrating Women Luthiers.