musical instrument
Malaysian Violin Makers Win Medals from Italy’s National Association of Violin Making Art
Malaysian Maestros Strike Gold in Rose Valley: A Triumph for Craftsmanship
In a remarkable turn for the world of lutherie, two Malaysian violin makers have not only put their nation on the map but have done so with a resounding flourish.
From the picturesque Rose Valley of Bulgaria, Tan Joven, 25, from Melaka, and her mentor, Tan Chin Seng, 45, hailing from Kuala Lumpur, have returned home clutching gold medals from the esteemed 19th International Violin Making Competition.
This dual triumph signals a significant moment for Malaysia in the intricate domain of handcrafted instruments.
Joven’s narrative reads like a meticulously composed crescendo. Just three years ago, she embarked on a pilgrimage to Cremona, Italy — the veritable epicentre of violin craftsmanship.
Now, her dedication has culminated in gold for viola and silver for violin in the non-professional category, a feat that speaks volumes of her swift ascent.
“This just makes me want to do more,” she enthused, her words echoing a burgeoning ambition. Her success stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion coupled with astute guidance.
Chin Seng, a seasoned veteran of the craft and Joven’s mentor, has etched his name into history as the first Malaysian to secure gold in the professional category. His winning viola, christened “Madani,” carries a poignant resonance, embodying his aspirations for Malaysia’s future.
His journey, however, has not been without its cadenzas of challenge. Following a double gold victory in 2019, the global pandemic imposed an unforeseen hiatus. Yet, Chin Seng demonstrated a remarkable resilience, steadily accumulating medals in 2023 and 2024, culminating in this crowning achievement.
The international success of his students, Chang Song Jie and Sam Wong, further underscores the burgeoning vitality of Malaysia’s violin-making fraternity.
The competition, orchestrated by Italy’s National Association of Violin Making Art (ANLAI), unfolded amidst the vibrant backdrop of Bulgaria’s celebrated Rose Festival.
Over 70 meticulously crafted instruments from a dozen countries underwent rigorous scrutiny by an expert panel, including the esteemed Italian violin maker Giorgio Scolari.
Presently, Malaysia’s award-winning stringed instruments are gracing the displays of the Rose Museum in Kazanlak, serving as tangible emblems of the nation’s burgeoning talent in this highly specialised art form.
This victory not only amplifies Malaysia’s standing in the global violin-making community but also serves as a potent source of inspiration for a new generation of artisans to nurture ambitious dreams.
Last year, in the category for bows, the Floriano Nofri prize went to Wong Perng Kien from Malaysia.
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