Stefano Conia was born in Hungary on the 10th January 1946. When young he began studying the violin and became interested in violin-making following the example of his father who has a diploma from the International School of Violin making in Cremona.
After finishing high school and his violin studios in Hungary, he moved to Italy and attended the International Violin-making School in Cremona from 1968 until studying with Maestro Sgarabotto, Maestro Morassi and Maestro Bissolotti.
He returned to the School as a , teacher of school of Violin Making of Cremona for over 20 years, first as expert in varnish and restoration, then also to teach construction as well.
In his workshop, in the heart of the city of Cremona makes his instruments inspired by the models of the classical makers and later using various personal models.
In making his instruments he uses carefully chosen aged wood. The shape and arching are classical and the varnish intense. Each piece of every violin is carefully controlled and perfected according to it’s acoustic function. Each instruments has it’s own certificate and guarantee.
Maestro Conia has been awarded many prizes in national and international competitions.
His instruments are recognized and appreciated throughout the world. He is member and founder of the italian association of Violin-makers (ALI) and the European Association (AEL). More detailed information can be found in the Strad magazine of 1976-77-78, in “La Bottega dei Miracoli” Ed. Stradivari 1982, “Liutai Italiani di ieri e di oggi”, Arte Liutaria di GioBatta Morassi 1984 and 2000, Dictionnaire Universel des Luthiers 1985, Lütgendorf: Die Geigen und Lautenmacher 1990, A.L.I. Book of Professional Makers 1994 and 2000, Cremonese Violin-Makers of the Late 20th Century of Yasuno Toshitake.
If you are interested in Maestro Conia's instruments valuation please contact action houses such as:
Sothebys - Philips - Bongards - Christie's