Crafting a violin for Alican Süner: a maker’s story

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Alican Süner has established himself as one of the most compelling violinists of his generation, having won first prizes at the Max Rostal Competition in Berlin and the Postacchini Competition in Italy. Honoured with the Presidential Medal of Representation of the Italian Republic, he has appeared as a soloist with ensembles such as the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra, I Virtuosi Italiani, and the Filarmonica Marchigiana.

His artistic work also includes recordings with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and two solo albums – Paganini’s 24 Caprices and the complete Ysaÿe Sonatas – recorded at the Tonhalle Zurich.

He is currently a first violinist with the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra under Paavo Järvi and performs on two violins: a Gaetano Guadagnini and a contemporary instrument made in Istanbul in 2022 – the latter being the one whose story I would like to share.

The period when I began building this violin was a time when the world was slowly beginning to breathe again after the pandemic. In the wake of that difficult era, I approached my work with a renewed sense of hope and quiet anticipation. Even at the earliest stage – while selecting the wood – I had the distinct feeling that this instrument was destined for a very special soloist.

Months later, when the violin was completed, it was first exhibited at an international music festival at Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall. Not long after, Alican Süner expressed his wish to come to Turkey to try my instruments. Given his extraordinary artistry and musical sensitivity, I was both honoured and quietly certain – even before he arrived – that he would choose this violin. And that is exactly what happened.

When Alican first played it, his connection to the instrument was immediate and profound. Hearing him speak of it with such conviction – and knowing the level at which he performs internationally – was an indescribable moment for me as a maker. To see an instrument shaped by my own hands find its voice through an artist of his calibre is a rare and deeply moving experience.

 To see an instrument shaped by my own hands find its voice through an artist of his calibre is a rare and deeply moving experience

Now, when I listen to Alican perform on stage, whether as a soloist or with the Tonhalle Orchestra, all the emotions I felt during the making of the violin return vividly. When I close my eyes, it feels almost like stepping into a fairy tale – where craftsmanship, music, and emotion come together effortlessly.

Through this instrument, a truly meaningful artistic friendship also began. I have come to believe that the destiny of certain instruments reveals itself from the very moment you first touch their wood.

Photos by Sait Erol.