16 1/4" Marinos Glitsos viola, St. Paul 2021

Marinos Glitsos began his musical studies in cello at an early age. After earning his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, he worked as an apprentice for lute maker and producer of gut strings Daniel Larson. During this time he was exposed to the craft of violin making and went on to attend the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City, working under the tutelage of Sanghoo Lee.

Upon graduation in 2016, Marinos spent two years honing his skills under luthier John Waddle in Saint Paul, where he worked directly with notable examples of both historic and contemporary instruments. During this time, he was involved in the research of radiologist Steve Sirr who pioneered the use of CT scanning in the study of fine violins.

Since 2018, Marinos has divided his time between the making of new violins, violas, and cellos in his studio in Saint Paul and working alongside luthier Peter Bingen at the Paul A. Schmitt Violin shop in Brooklyn Center.