This workshop is organized in collaboration with the 4th International Conference on Timbre taking place from July 2-4, 2026 at Pavillon de la faculté de musique, Université de Montréal, 200 avenue Vincent-d'Indy.

If you are interested in attending, please email timbreconference[AT]gmail[DOT]com. Space is limited.

Description

The timbre of a violin is distinct from that of a clarinet, cello, or viola; it may also differ between two violins and depend on the musician playing the instrument. In the interaction between a particular musician and a particular violin, what range of timbres is accessible?

This workshop explores the various factors that contribute to timbre on the violin, including the musician’s gestures and the collaboration between the luthier and the musician. This exploration invites active listening to the timbral palette of a violin, placing it in the context of the musician’s gestures and their relationship to specific acoustical properties.

Through a live violin adjustment conducted by a luthier and a violinist, participants will discover how modifying certain parts of the instrument can help it respond more effectively to a musician’s preferences and artistic intentions. Participants are invited to contribute to a discussion on the instrument’s timbre and to take part in the adjustment of a violin.

The workshop is led by Leïla Barbedette and Luke Chiang, Université de Montréal.