Reference by Viola Professor
Dear Sirs,
It was not a surprise to me, when Ceslovas Kulevicius (Czes Kul) asked me to write him a letter of reference.
I knew for some time that he is looking for a possibility to live in a friendlier climate. In addition, I assume, that Ceslovas’ and his wife’s Birute standard in the field of violin making and maintenance is sufficient to satisfy demands of any performer.
Usually, when my student is searching for a viola, I point him to all violinmakers I know. But as a rule, my students choose an instrument, made by Birute and Ceslovas. And I usually welcome the choice. Sound of practically every of these instruments satisfies that required by a professional performer. Additionally, all of them are comfortable and their voice improves over time.
There is a short note of distribution of instruments made by this couple:
- In Lithuania: their made instruments are played in all leading orchestras: Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, Lithuanian National Symphony, Lithuanian State Symphony, National Opera (five violas). Their made instruments are used by students of all main domestic academies
- Abroad: to my knowledge, instruments made by the couple are used in Finland, Norway, Germany, Spain, Venezuela, USA (small detail: starting 2004 our violins were sold to NZ , China and Taiwan players – C.K.)
It is noteworthy to notice one more detail of their work history. I with colleagues listened to sounds of first their-made violoncello. It was also first violoncello, born in Lithuania while it’s sound reminded that of old Italians.
Surely, it is difficult to put into words all I can say about this couple. I know them well over five years. Approximately in that time Ceslovas’ health slightly worsened. Because of this reason he could not accomplish every necessary job, so he incorporated wife Birute. And I must to admit that their made instruments sound even better now.
I wrote this testimonial with no hesitations. I am only unquiet because of one reason – I don’t know who will make new and repair existing instruments, when they move away.
Professor Petras Radzevicius
Lithuanian Academy of Music
Head, Department of Stringed Instruments;
Concertmaster, Group of Violas,
Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra