Apostol Kaloferov violinmaker
Apostol Kaloferov Kraishte St., bl. 16B, Sofia 1408, Bulgaria • tel./fax: +359 (2) 952 1770 • mobile: +359 (88) 731 2553 www.kaloferov.net • e-mail: apostol@kaloferov.net Photography: family photo-archive and Ivo Hadjimishev • Design: Glyph Ltd. • Print: Kiwi Ltd.
Her Majesty the Violin The violin and its family are one of the greatest achievements of human genius in the Renaissance. It is known for a fact that the development of music made a strong leap forward, following the birth of the four stringed instruments. Thanks to their exceptional sound and timbre qualities, music left the intimacy of home music making and went to the big concert halls. The violin has two sides, on one hand the shape, its material body – the visual side of the instrument and on the other the sound – its abstract soul. With its aesthetic qualities, refined and elegant outline, colorful varnish and grace, it is a real work of art. As far as construction is concerned, the instrument is a miniature structural and architectural design, which has to resonate. The sound of the instrument is a phenomenon in itself, which unites the talents of the violin maker, the composer and the performer and presents their art to the public. There are three determining factors: the material with its highly constructive, acoustic and aesthetic particularities, the violin maker building its gentle body and leaving a part of his soul in it and the virtuoso – musician who by touching the strings with his bow is bringing the instrument to live. For the good sound the material has a leading role, the seasoned and high quality wood, resonating clearly and freely, ensures better acoustics. To build an instrument with a rich sound and timbre, the violin maker must be an excellent professional. Apart from the unerring hand of the master, the careful eye of the artist and the delicate ear of the musician, he must have the unique flair for the pulse of the material which spiritualizes his creation. The excellent instrument made by his creator is like a newborn child which has inherited the talents of his gifted father. Caressed by the tender hands of a loving musician the sound ripens in it. For reaching outstanding results, instrument and performer should have perfect equilibrium, blending on stage in one harmonic entity. In the hands of a genius the violin reaches the peak of its fame.
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Her Majesty the Violin The violin and its family are one of the greatest achievements of human genius in the Renaissance. It is known for a fact that the development of music made a strong leap forward, following the birth of the four stringed instruments. Thanks to their exceptional sound and timbre qualities, music left the intimacy of home music making and went to the big concert halls. The violin has two sides, on one hand the shape, its material body – the visual side of the instrument and on the other the sound – its abstract soul. With its aesthetic qualities, refined and elegant outline, colorful varnish and grace, it is a real work of art. As far as construction is concerned, the instrument is a miniature structural and architectural design, which has to resonate. The sound of the instrument is a phenomenon in itself, which unites the talents of the violin maker, the composer and the performer and presents their art to the public. There are three determining factors: the material with its highly constructive, acoustic and aesthetic particularities, the violin maker building its gentle body and leaving a part of his soul in it and the virtuoso – musician who by touching the strings with his bow is bringing the instrument to live. For the good sound the material has a leading role, the seasoned and high quality wood, resonating clearly and freely, ensures better acoustics. To build an instrument with a rich sound and timbre, the violin maker must be an excellent professional. Apart from the unerring hand of the master, the careful eye of the artist and the delicate ear of the musician, he must have the unique flair for the pulse of the material which spiritualizes his creation. The excellent instrument made by his creator is like a newborn child which has inherited the talents of his gifted father. Caressed by the tender hands of a loving musician the sound ripens in it. For reaching outstanding results, instrument and performer should have perfect equilibrium, blending on stage in one harmonic entity. In the hands of a genius the violin reaches the peak of its fame.
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Apostol Kaloferov (1881 – 1935)
Ivan Kaloferov (1906 – 1985)
Graduated from the Music Academy in Odessa (Russia). At the beginning of the 20th Century together with his friend and colleague Georg Henig he played at the Opera Houses of Istanbul (Turkey), Naples (Italy) and Alexandria (Egypt). Coming back to Bulgaria in 1912, he took active part in the musical and public life of the country. He established several military bands and orchestras. Founder of the Musicians Union in Bulgaria and its Chairman in the period 1919-24.
2-1 Apostol Kaloferov (with the banner) and the founders of the Musicians Union – 1919 in front of the “Saint Kral” (Saint Nedelja).
Musician – trumpet player
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Founder of the Bulgarian School for Violin making (quotation Bulgarian Encyclopedia). Award – winner of many prestigious competitions at home and abroad. Founding member of the Violin making Association by the Musicians Union and his Chairman for many years. Member of the Jury at the International competition in Liege (Belgium), 1972. Honorary guest at the “Wieniawsky” competition, Poznan (Poland), 1977.
2-2 Georg Henig (1873 – 1965). Musician – double bass and clarinet player, violin maker. Teacher of Ivan Kaloferov. 2-3 Apostol Kaloferov with his orchestra in the Modern Theatre (cinema Tz. Tzerkovski) – 1925.
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3-1 Ivan Kaloferov – Award giving Ceremony, Liege (Belgium), 1957. (the first one from the left – Lionel Tertis). 3-2 1957 – Gold medal for sound, bronze for workmanship and diploma for excellence at the International competition for string quartets in Liege (Belgium). 3-3 1959 – Silver medal (large version) for modern viola at the international festival in Ascolli Piceno (Italy).
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Apostol Kaloferov (1881 – 1935)
Ivan Kaloferov (1906 – 1985)
Graduated from the Music Academy in Odessa (Russia). At the beginning of the 20th Century together with his friend and colleague Georg Henig he played at the Opera Houses of Istanbul (Turkey), Naples (Italy) and Alexandria (Egypt). Coming back to Bulgaria in 1912, he took active part in the musical and public life of the country. He established several military bands and orchestras. Founder of the Musicians Union in Bulgaria and its Chairman in the period 1919-24.
2-1 Apostol Kaloferov (with the banner) and the founders of the Musicians Union – 1919 in front of the “Saint Kral” (Saint Nedelja).
Musician – trumpet player
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Founder of the Bulgarian School for Violin making (quotation Bulgarian Encyclopedia). Award – winner of many prestigious competitions at home and abroad. Founding member of the Violin making Association by the Musicians Union and his Chairman for many years. Member of the Jury at the International competition in Liege (Belgium), 1972. Honorary guest at the “Wieniawsky” competition, Poznan (Poland), 1977.
2-2 Georg Henig (1873 – 1965). Musician – double bass and clarinet player, violin maker. Teacher of Ivan Kaloferov. 2-3 Apostol Kaloferov with his orchestra in the Modern Theatre (cinema Tz. Tzerkovski) – 1925.
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3-1 Ivan Kaloferov – Award giving Ceremony, Liege (Belgium), 1957. (the first one from the left – Lionel Tertis). 3-2 1957 – Gold medal for sound, bronze for workmanship and diploma for excellence at the International competition for string quartets in Liege (Belgium). 3-3 1959 – Silver medal (large version) for modern viola at the international festival in Ascolli Piceno (Italy).
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Apostol Kaloferov was born on September 12, 1944 in Bulgaria. He chose the violin making profession by tradition. Apostol Kaloferov studied woodcarving at the Art Academy in Sofia. He took his first lessons in violin making from his father and later specialized in France under the supervision of the world known master Jean Bauer. Apostol Kaloferov has participated in many national exhibitions. His works are owned by different art institutions. The string instruments made by Apostol Kaloferov appeal to great musicians in France, England, Germany, Austria, Japan and the USA. He is also a world known restorer of antique instruments. Since 1986 Apostol Kaloferov has been President of the Association of Bulgarian Violin Makers. 4-1 Apostol Kaloferov – 1969 4-2 Jean Bauer, autograph – Anger (France), 1975 5-1 First prize and diploma for the finest workmanship at the festival in New Ark (Great Britain) – 1978 5-2 Prizes and medals 5-3 First prize and diploma for the finest workmanship at the festival in New Ark (Great Britain) - 1978. 5-3
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Apostol Kaloferov was born on September 12, 1944 in Bulgaria. He chose the violin making profession by tradition. Apostol Kaloferov studied woodcarving at the Art Academy in Sofia. He took his first lessons in violin making from his father and later specialized in France under the supervision of the world known master Jean Bauer. Apostol Kaloferov has participated in many national exhibitions. His works are owned by different art institutions. The string instruments made by Apostol Kaloferov appeal to great musicians in France, England, Germany, Austria, Japan and the USA. He is also a world known restorer of antique instruments. Since 1986 Apostol Kaloferov has been President of the Association of Bulgarian Violin Makers. 4-1 Apostol Kaloferov – 1969 4-2 Jean Bauer, autograph – Anger (France), 1975 5-1 First prize and diploma for the finest workmanship at the festival in New Ark (Great Britain) – 1978 5-2 Prizes and medals 5-3 First prize and diploma for the finest workmanship at the festival in New Ark (Great Britain) - 1978. 5-3
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Member of the Jury in following International Competitions: “Sofia ‘83”, “Sofia – Kazanlak ‘87” (Bulgaria) , “Wieniawsky” Poznan (Poland) – 1986, “Hradez Kralove” (Czech Republic) – 1987-89, “Tchaikovsky” Moscow (Russia) – 1990. This is a period of establishing his international prestige. 6-1 Sofia – Kazanlak (Bulgaria) – 1987 6-2 “Wieniawsky” Poznan (Poland) – 1986 right page: A Guarneri del Gesu violin brought to life in my hands after eighty years. To discover an instrument of such a high class is a rarity and an event in the international violin making practice. Expertise and restoration are the other faces of the violin making profession. Photos: Apostol Kaloferov – Athens (Greece), 1982
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Member of the Jury in following International Competitions: “Sofia ‘83”, “Sofia – Kazanlak ‘87” (Bulgaria) , “Wieniawsky” Poznan (Poland) – 1986, “Hradez Kralove” (Czech Republic) – 1987-89, “Tchaikovsky” Moscow (Russia) – 1990. This is a period of establishing his international prestige. 6-1 Sofia – Kazanlak (Bulgaria) – 1987 6-2 “Wieniawsky” Poznan (Poland) – 1986 right page: A Guarneri del Gesu violin brought to life in my hands after eighty years. To discover an instrument of such a high class is a rarity and an event in the international violin making practice. Expertise and restoration are the other faces of the violin making profession. Photos: Apostol Kaloferov – Athens (Greece), 1982
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9-1 The coziness of the atelier inspires you for creative work. right page: For the good sound the material has a leading role. The seasoned and high quality wood, resonating clearly and freely, ensures better acoustics. Photos: Ivo Hadjimishev. The atelier in Bankya
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9-1 The coziness of the atelier inspires you for creative work. right page: For the good sound the material has a leading role. The seasoned and high quality wood, resonating clearly and freely, ensures better acoustics. Photos: Ivo Hadjimishev. The atelier in Bankya
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The sound is in the wood, you just have to take away the excess and construct the instrument with the exact amount, not more not less.
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The sound is in the wood, you just have to take away the excess and construct the instrument with the exact amount, not more not less.
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12-1 Apostol Kaloferov and Ivan Kaloferov – junior 12-2 Ivan Kaloferov – junior. 2003 – Graduation diploma from „Antonio Stradivari“ Institute, Cremona (Italy). 13-1 Ivan Kaloferov and Apostol Kaloferov 13-2 Apostol Kaloferov and Ivan Kaloferov – junior 13-3 Apostol Kaloferov and Ivan Kaloferov – junior
13-3 Taking over the tradition at such a high level is a difficult task and responsibility, but the challenge is even bigger. (top left) To feel the breath of your own son next to you makes you really happy, knowing that he is following the same path. (bottom left) Youth takes traditions to new horizons. (right) 12-1
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12-1 Apostol Kaloferov and Ivan Kaloferov – junior 12-2 Ivan Kaloferov – junior. 2003 – Graduation diploma from „Antonio Stradivari“ Institute, Cremona (Italy). 13-1 Ivan Kaloferov and Apostol Kaloferov 13-2 Apostol Kaloferov and Ivan Kaloferov – junior 13-3 Apostol Kaloferov and Ivan Kaloferov – junior
13-3 Taking over the tradition at such a high level is a difficult task and responsibility, but the challenge is even bigger. (top left) To feel the breath of your own son next to you makes you really happy, knowing that he is following the same path. (bottom left) Youth takes traditions to new horizons. (right) 12-1
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A small and elegant art gallery in the central part of Sofia attracts the attention with its style and atmosphere, with the exhibitions for small auditorium organized with esthetic precision. This is Maxim of the Kaloferovs. The vital and charming better half of Apostol – Hristina Kaloferova, reigns here.
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This time the exhibition is unusual. Artists – friends of Apostol, wish the jubilee many happy returns of the day with their works „In the World of Music“. Musicians – friends of the jubilee play on his instruments. The exhibited violins, violas and violoncellos of the master seem to chat with the paintings. Superior to the dimensions of reality, they congratulate their creator.
Finis coronat opus (The end crowns the deed) An anniversary concert, played on the instruments of the famous violin maker Apostol Kaloferov Orchestra conductor: Naiden Todorov (Bulgaria) Soloists: Angel Stankov, violin (Bulgaria) Yosif Radinov, violin (Bulgaria) Apostol Gramatikopoulos, violin (Greece) Michelle Mihalakakos, viola (France) Serdju Nastasa, violin (Romania) Stefan Popov, violoncello (Bulgaria) Pavel Zlatarev, first violinist (Bulgaria)
“As a proud owner of a violin made by Apostol Kaloferov, I could say that his instruments are of very high quality. The wood is carefully selected. The instrument is artistically made. It is responsive and has carrying power. This is one of the best modern instruments.” Prof. Angel Stankov Vice Rector of the State Music Academy “Pancho Vladigerov”
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A small and elegant art gallery in the central part of Sofia attracts the attention with its style and atmosphere, with the exhibitions for small auditorium organized with esthetic precision. This is Maxim of the Kaloferovs. The vital and charming better half of Apostol – Hristina Kaloferova, reigns here.
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This time the exhibition is unusual. Artists – friends of Apostol, wish the jubilee many happy returns of the day with their works „In the World of Music“. Musicians – friends of the jubilee play on his instruments. The exhibited violins, violas and violoncellos of the master seem to chat with the paintings. Superior to the dimensions of reality, they congratulate their creator.
Finis coronat opus (The end crowns the deed) An anniversary concert, played on the instruments of the famous violin maker Apostol Kaloferov Orchestra conductor: Naiden Todorov (Bulgaria) Soloists: Angel Stankov, violin (Bulgaria) Yosif Radinov, violin (Bulgaria) Apostol Gramatikopoulos, violin (Greece) Michelle Mihalakakos, viola (France) Serdju Nastasa, violin (Romania) Stefan Popov, violoncello (Bulgaria) Pavel Zlatarev, first violinist (Bulgaria)
“As a proud owner of a violin made by Apostol Kaloferov, I could say that his instruments are of very high quality. The wood is carefully selected. The instrument is artistically made. It is responsive and has carrying power. This is one of the best modern instruments.” Prof. Angel Stankov Vice Rector of the State Music Academy “Pancho Vladigerov”
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Violin, model “Guarneri”
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Violin, model “Stradivari”
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Violin, model “Guarneri”
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Violin, model “Stradivari”
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Viola, model “Kaloferov”
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Violoncello, model “Stradivari – Piatti”
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Viola, model “Kaloferov”
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Violoncello, model “Stradivari – Piatti”
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REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE TO: MR. APOSTOL KALOFEROV DEAR MR. KALOFEROV, Let me congratulate You from all my heart on my behalf and on behalf of the Ministry of Culture on the occasion of your 60th anniversary. In Your many years of fruitful work You have created wonderful instruments – leading examples of the stringed instruments art with which outstanding creators and topclass performers have been recreating the masterpieces of the Bulgarian and of world music. The voice of the instruments brought to life by Your hands enchants the audience and unites them with the beauty of music. With talent and unflagging work You are bringing world fame to the school of Bulgarian stringed instrument makers. Your exquisite skill born out of the fertile national and European traditions combines inspiration with exquisite artistic making and the technique of a hereditary stringed instrument maker. Valued highly in Bulgaria and abroad, Your excellent instruments rightly brought You and Bulgaria prestigious international prizes and honors. I wish You from all my heart health, long creative life and new achievements towards further strengthening of the prestige of the Bulgarian music art. GOOD LUCK! BOZHIDAR ABRASHEV, PROF., DA MINISTER OF CULTURE
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Dear Apostol,
Dear Apostol,
Let me and my wife congratulate you on the occasion of your 60th birthday and please accept our warmest greetings and best wishes. You were one of my best post-graduate students, with exceptionally skillful hands. Combined with your sensitivity and feeling for the artistic, it helped you to make exquisite instruments. We are happy to congratulate you and we are sending you and your wonderful wife our warmest friendly thoughts.
There is a rumour (via a bird which has flown from Bulgaria) that you were this week celebrating your 60th birthday, and that as well as fireworks and champagne there is to be a special concert played on your instruments. I believe all of this (except surely it must be your 50th) so am writing to send my warmest congratulations and every good wish for a marvellous week.
Mr. Jean Boyere Doyen of the French stringed instrument makers, a Knight of the Legion of Honor
Yours, Charles Bear
REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE TO: MR. APOSTOL KALOFEROV DEAR MR. KALOFEROV, Let me congratulate You from all my heart on my behalf and on behalf of the Ministry of Culture on the occasion of your 60th anniversary. In Your many years of fruitful work You have created wonderful instruments – leading examples of the stringed instruments art with which outstanding creators and topclass performers have been recreating the masterpieces of the Bulgarian and of world music. The voice of the instruments brought to life by Your hands enchants the audience and unites them with the beauty of music. With talent and unflagging work You are bringing world fame to the school of Bulgarian stringed instrument makers. Your exquisite skill born out of the fertile national and European traditions combines inspiration with exquisite artistic making and the technique of a hereditary stringed instrument maker. Valued highly in Bulgaria and abroad, Your excellent instruments rightly brought You and Bulgaria prestigious international prizes and honors. I wish You from all my heart health, long creative life and new achievements towards further strengthening of the prestige of the Bulgarian music art. GOOD LUCK! BOZHIDAR ABRASHEV, PROF., DA MINISTER OF CULTURE
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Dear Apostol,
Dear Apostol,
Let me and my wife congratulate you on the occasion of your 60th birthday and please accept our warmest greetings and best wishes. You were one of my best post-graduate students, with exceptionally skillful hands. Combined with your sensitivity and feeling for the artistic, it helped you to make exquisite instruments. We are happy to congratulate you and we are sending you and your wonderful wife our warmest friendly thoughts.
There is a rumour (via a bird which has flown from Bulgaria) that you were this week celebrating your 60th birthday, and that as well as fireworks and champagne there is to be a special concert played on your instruments. I believe all of this (except surely it must be your 50th) so am writing to send my warmest congratulations and every good wish for a marvellous week.
Mr. Jean Boyere Doyen of the French stringed instrument makers, a Knight of the Legion of Honor
Yours, Charles Bear
Apostol Kaloferov violinmaker
Apostol Kaloferov Kraishte St., bl. 16B, Sofia 1408, Bulgaria • tel./fax: +359 (2) 952 1770 • mobile: +359 (88) 731 2553 www.kaloferov.net • e-mail: apostol@kaloferov.net Photography: family photo-archive and Ivo Hadjimishev • Design: Glyph Ltd. • Print: Kiwi Ltd.