Greta Ritcher
After years of experience working with string instruments in Chicago, violinmaker and restoration specialist Greta Ritcher has returned to her hometown and opened a shop in downtown Louisville. She hopes to benefit the music community in Louisville using the skills and knowledge she has gained over the years. Her high standards, attention to detail, quality of work and understanding of players’ needs make her shop an asset to players of all ages and levels.
With a background in music and three-dimensional art, Greta was drawn to musical instrument making, repair, and restoration. She began her professional life as an instrument repairer in 1996 while studying guitar making at the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in Phoenix, Arizona. Greta worked at a vintage guitar shop for two years before attending Indiana University to pursue violinmaking and repair. After completing her studies at IU in 2001, Greta moved to Chicago to join the workshop of Kenneth Stein Violins.
Later, Greta co-founded the Evanston-based Col Legno string instrument repair shop. In the summer of 2005 she joined Darnton &
Hersh Fine Violins as a restorer and maker. At Darnton & Hersh, Greta was able to fine-tune her skills under the tutelage of well-known violinmaker Michael Darnton. She was responsible for the restoration of important instruments on a regular basis. Greta remained at Darnton and Hersh through the end of 2008.
Greta continues to study the art of violin making in all its aspects, and has attended a number of workshops with highly respected restorer Hans Nebel in both the US and Italy. Although now located in Louisville, she continues to do restoration work for Darnton and Hersh in Chicago, as well as for Col Legno in Evanston. |
