Nov. 12 - Violin Maker Andreas Preuss

Dear members and friends of the Fellowship,

Our regular second Sunday meeting features "Luthier (violin maker) Andreas Preuss".

 Sunday November 12

International House of Japan (国際文化会館)

Between Roppongi and Azabu-juban stations on Toriii zaka.

See their website or call them for directions.

3:00-5:00

With simple dinner or drinks in the International House cafe for those who want to continue the discussion.

Andreus Preuss,  originally from Juelich Germany, is a meister (official master craftsman) who  established his atelier for the making and repair of violins/stringed instruments in Toshima-ku more than a decade ago.

His life story is a fascinating account of international apprenticeship, study and effort to make once again the great violins of the 18th century produced by Stradivari and Guarnieri. 

 While we will let him tell his story and discuss a few  of the interesting technical aspects of violin making, let me begin by saying we Unitarians are seekers--how do you set nearly impossible goals and persevere to create  a life with meaning and impact for good on others?

 To spark your interest however  let me say that around 40 years ago Andreus (born in a violin producing tiny German community), as a violin loving but naive 19 year old, plunged into learning Japanese and living in Japan in order to apprentice with the most dedicated meister he could find>> MURATA Zoroku (the first Japanese to be trained in Germany  to receive the certification of meister). 

Andreus' research and work then took him again to Europe and to NYCity, before he came back to open his own business.

I look forward to seeing you on November 12.

Please being a friend (we have a larger room).

Your moderator (who has been distracted traveling in Vietnam),

Peggy Kanada