16 1/4" Philippe Mahu viola, Paris 2023

Philippe Mahu became interested in music and woodworking at an early age. He began his training as a violin maker with Joel Mentec in Firminy, where he focused on making cellos and double basses. In 1988, he joined the famous Parisian workshop of Étienne Vatelot, where he carried out the restoration and adjustment of fine antique instruments. During this time, he honed his skills and expertise and gained the respect and humility required to handle fine instruments at the highest level.

Phillipe continued working with this firm when Jean-Jacques Rampal succeeded Vatelot, and he still finds time to make new instruments. His work has received numerous awards in international competitions including a Gold medal for violin in 2011 at the Concours International de Lutherie de la Ville de Paris "Étienne Vatelot", a gold medal for viola in 2009 in Mittenwald, first prize for viola in Paris in 2009, and a Silver medal for workmanship for his viola in the 2012 Violin Society of America Competition. Additionally, Philippe holds the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France.