Iris Zhulla

Bow Maker

Born into a musical family, Iris Zhulla was enchanted by the violin, first as a player and later as a maker. Her father, also a luthier, passed on his passion for violin and bow making to Iris at a young age. Iris studied violin making in Cremona (IIS Stradivari) and worked as a restorer at the workshop of Martino Ius in Milan until 2014. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for bow making. Iris began her studies under her father’s guidance and continued her education at the workshop of Daniel Navea Vera in Cremona, a pupil and collaborator of Giovanni Lucchi.

Her musical training and close collaboration with musicians have enabled her to further develop the working abilities of her bows. Today, she works alongside her father at the family workshop in Thessaloniki, Greece, where they divide their time between the restoration and creation of new instruments.

Publications: 

•The Strad magazine March 2023 “Trade Secrets” – Techniques 

•The Strad magazine Podcast “Episode 79” 

•The Strad magazine November 2022 “Instrument Care Guide”