At last - we are back! After the pandemic forced its absence the BVMA will once again be hosting a conference this autumn, in beautiful Halsway Manor in Somerset, on the weekend of 15/16^th October 2022.

We are putting together an event concerning our most basic material – WOOD!. There will be much to interest both violin and bow makers, and a visit by a distinguished musician accompanied by his fine Carlo Bergonzi violin, the first time a classical Cremonese instrument of this quality will have been heard and seen at a BVMA conference.

Peter Ratcliffe, the dendrochronologist, will speak about his discoveries and deductions about the wood trade and sources for the great 17^th and 18^th century Italian violin makers, and their direct relevance to makers today.

Andreas Pahler, wood dealer from Mittenwald who has attended many BVMA eventswill talk about the cycle of selection, cutting, drying and storage of violin wood, and will discuss future challenges for the trade. He will bring wood to sell throughout the weekend.

There will be a round table discussion led by our own Tim Baker with other top bow makers Derek Wilson and musician Evan Orman concerning the selection of Pernambuco wood for bow makers

Boris Kucharsky, international soloist and chamber musician and former protégé of Yehudi Menuhin will speak about his 31 years with the 1735  “Baron Knoop” Carlo Bergonzi violin, and his experience playing alongside some of the most famous Cremonese violins. He will demonstrate its qualities, and also the qualities of several fine bows, and will give a recital with piano in the evening (Saturday). We hope the ‘Baron Knoop’ will be joined by one and possibly two other distinguished Cremonese violins which will also be heard. This is a first for the BVMA!

Andrew Ryan, the well known American maker, will give a talk presenting methods for measuring the physical properties of wood and will show their application in violin construction

Practical details: 

The conference takes place from Saturday noon 15^th October until 4pm Sunday 16^th at Halsway Manor, Somerset

Accommodation: There are hotels and B&B’s nearby. There is camping and space for camper vans at Halsway Manor

Tickets will be on sale from June 20^th  via the BVMA website. Cost is £120 for members. A limited number of discounted tickets for students will be available at £60.

Supper on Saturday and lunch on Sunday will be catered for and are included in the price

Tea and coffee are provided for the duration of the conference. The bar will be open for the purchase of drinks at mealtimes and late into Saturday night

The conference will be filmed (not live streamed) for the benefit of those members who are unable to attend. The recording will be exclusively available to BVMA members on the website. 

We recommend early booking to avoid disappointment!

More details to be announced nearer the time