Philippe Girardin
Born in an artist’s family, his mother a pianist and his father a sculptor, Philippe Girardin starts playing piano and violin at the age of six. Graduated from the Violinmaking School of Cremona in 1981 he establishes his workshop in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. He tirelessly devotes his work to fundamental research. As much on violin’s acoustics, as on Italian varnishes from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries (see VARNISH page), or on aesthetic sense of violins. His main associates have been Anne-Dominique Cardinet (since 1990), Sylvain Rusticoni (2001 to 2015), Alvaro Corrochano (Milano from 2011 to 2015) and currently Alan Peterman and Monica Fortin.
Awards
- 1983 Laureate (cello) , Louis Spohr Competition, Kassel, Germany
- 2008 Silver Medal (violin) , VSA Competition, USA
- 2008 Certificate of Merit for Tone (viola) , VSA Competition, USA
- 2010 Gold Medal (violin, copy of antique) , Pisogne Competition, Italy
- 2010 1st Prize for acoustics (violin), Pisogne Competiton, Italy
- 2010 Jury’s Special Prize for acoustics and varnish (violin, author’s copy), Pisogne Competition, Italy
The workshop
In 2019, Monica Fortin and her husband Alan Peterman took over the workshop’s management. Thanks to their kindness and great competency, Philippe Girardin can continue his passion to their side.
Alan Petermann will provide you with the information regarding the acquisition of my lastest instruments. Some of them are depicted in the workshop’s website: