Re-discover the violin: A new instrument created with the musicians of IMS Prussia Cove

Join us to learn about the art of violin-making, as a new instrument is crafted by luthiers Stefan-Peter Greiner and Mark Jennings, and the world-class musicians of IMS Prussia Cove.

The idea for this exciting new project was formed in September 2016 when acclaimed luthier Stefan-Peter was invited by the Artistic Director Steven Isserlis to attend the Open Chamber Music seminar. During the seminar, he met our long-term resident luthier Mark and the two instrument-makers decided to collaborate in the making of a new instrument, created especially for IMS Prussia Cove. In a truly collective effort, the violin was made during Open Chamber Music 2017 – and came to life with the help of musicians who  travelled to a remote part of Cornwall from across the world to attend the seminar.

The project helped the musicians to learn about their instruments from the inside out, while providing an educational blog for followers across the world. Watch with us as a violin is made, step-by-step, inspired by the unique environment of IMS Prussia Cove. The completed instrument will very generously be donated to the organisation by the makers, for which we are extremely grateful.

About us

IMS Prussia Cove is a charitable organisation dedicated to music-making at the highest level, fostering new generations of talented musicians from across the world, supporting musical idealism and enabling international collaboration. We bring musicians of all nationalities to study, rehearse and perform together in a remote part of Cornwall, providing outstanding opportunities for emerging young artists and inspiring performers throughout their careers. Our outreach and education projects inspire and engage young people and new audiences, while public concerts bring music of the highest calibre to an isolated part of the country. For more information visit our website at: www.i-m-s.org.uk.

Mark Jennings


Over the last 11 years Cornwall-based luthier and restorer Mark Jennings has attended Open Chamber Music, our Autumn seminar, assisting our musicians with their instruments. Mark studied Musical Instrument Technology at Merton College, London, after which he attended the internationally renowned Newark School of Violin Making. Read more about Mark here

Stefan-Peter Greiner


German violin maker Stefan-Peter Greiner began playing the violin at the age of 10 and soon became interested in lutherie, making his first instrument at the age of 14. Greiner instruments are recognised as among the finest in the world. They are played exclusively by Christian Tetzlaff, and also by leading musicians including Franz Helmerson, Kim Kashkashian, Leonidas Kavakos, Hyeyoon Park, Antje Weithaas, and players from the Alban Berg, Hagen, Keller, Kuss and Parker string quartets. Read more about Peter here.