12/03/2026
Maker Spotlight: Igor Moroder
Born in Bolzano in 1961 and raised in Ortisei in the Dolomites, Igor Moroder grew up surrounded by craftsmanship. His grandfathers were woodcarvers and sculptors, and from a very young age he developed a deep familiarity with working with wood.
Moroder began studying violin making in 1980 at the renowned violin making school in Cremona, graduating in 1984. He continued his training in Bern with Otto Karl Schenk, where he gained extensive experience in restoration. Later, in Lausanne, he worked with Pierre Ge**er and Pierre Mastrangelo, further refining his understanding of restoration and acoustical adjustment.
This period proved especially influential. Moroder became the last pupil of Pierre Ge**er, the celebrated restorer known for enhancing the sound of fine instruments for legendary musicians such as David Oistrakh, Nathan Milstein, and Isaac Stern. His friendship with chemistry professor Theo Gistelinck also played an important role in Moroder’s research into varnish production.
From 1991 to 2009 he ran his own workshop in Verona, building instruments, restoring fine works, and training young violin makers. Today he has built around 200 instruments, most finished with his own self produced oil varnish.
Moroder currently lives and works in Milan, continuing his research into sound, varnish, and craftsmanship.
We are honored to present instruments by Igor Moroder at the Fifth String Showcase in Vienna, taking place March 16–22, 2026.
Come experience these instruments alongside works by makers from across Europe.
📍 Himmelpfortgasse 12, 1010
📅 March 16–22, 2026