String Instrument Luthier Manufacturer Kolstein Expands, New Initiatives

Exclusive To MusicalAmerica.com

It is just about a year since Kolstein (www.kolstein.com), returned to New York City with its high-profile, major real estate commitment in the landmark Marriott Essex House, less than a one minute walk from Carnegie Hall (153 West 58th Street).  Kolstein, which ranks as one of the top three American luthier manufacturers of fine-quality string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass) will be celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2023.

It was established in NYC and moved to Baldwin, New York, an NYC suburb, about 35 years ago where it was able to expand its manufacturing and warehouse space.

Manny Alvarez, Kolstein's President, describes how: "Kolstein's renewed presence in NYC amidst Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Broadway theaters, and other performance venues has been in the spirit of NYC's Covid comeback.  With so many working musicians gravitating to this immediate area, Kolstein has demonstrated itself to be a partner, a resource, and a convenience for sales, rentals, service, supplies, shipping, appraisals---comprehensive in support of string music instruments."

With the prestige of the Essex House, Manny Alvarez launched the "Kolstein Performance Showcase" on Fridays, 7-8 PM in its lobby, adjacent to their Southgate Bar & Restaurant.  Kolstein has been able to present emerging string music artists who normally do not get an opportunity to play in such a notable setting.  In response to Covid, where many musicians have been unemployed, Manny put together a non-profit musician's releif fund which provides modest stipends for those musicians who are scheduled.  These weekly special events are free and open to the public.

Kolstein has capability for professional audio/video/digital recording technology which is particularly valuable to enable emerging musicians.

An additional dimension has been instituting a network of "Kolstein Artists".  They are accomplished, credentialed string musicians.  The first has been Ha Young Jung, a highly talented double bass player, the principal bassist in the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, also performing with the New York Philharmonic.

And Kolstein is the exclusive distributor for instruments by Mairead Nesbitt and for instruments and accessories by Tina Guo.

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