JAVS Fall 1997

79

OF INTEREST

Violinmakers Joseph Curtin and Gregg T. Alf, founders of Curtin & Alf, now work independently as Joseph Curtin Studios and Alf Studios respectively. Curtin & Alf was established in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1985. The makers met in Cremona, Italy, where they collaborated "for fun" on an exact copy of a Testore violin. In Ann Arbor they con centrated on their individual work and col laborated about once a year in making a museum-quality replica of a classic Italian instrument, such as the "ex-Huberman" and "Lady Stretton" Guarneri del Gesus, and the "Booth" and "Molitar" Stradivaris. "Working together has benefitted us both tremendously," says Curtin. "We will continue

to collaborate on projects of mutual interest. But it's easier, for a lot of day-to-day reasons, to run our workshops separately." Adds Gregg Alf, "We continue to honor our relationships with Curtin & Alf clients and hope to serve everyone better through this streamlining of our business." • Alf Studios will remain at 1221 Prospect, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104; phone: (313) 665-2012; fax: (313) 665-4623; e-mail: gregg@alfstudios.com • Joseph Curtin Studios is located at 205 North Main Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104; phone: (313) 665-1303; fax: (313) 665-1305, e-mail: joseph@curtinal£com

David Dalton gave his presentation on Primrose to violists, other string students and faculty,. at six Eastern schools of music in October-The Curtis Institute, University of Maryland, Peabody Conservatory, The Juilliard School, Boston Conservatory, and New England Conser vatory. The presentation consists of video documentaries on Primrose's life and career, excerpts from his recordings, commentary on his viola editions and published works, plus personal rem llllscences.