Philippe Mahu

Having developed an early passion for Music and Woodworking, Philippe Mahu began his training in 1981 at Joel Mentec’s workshop in Firminy, making cellos and double basses. In 1988, he joined Etienne Vatelot’s workshop in Paris where he specialized in the restoration and adjustment of very old stringed instruments – an experience that gave him humility, expertise and inspiration. In 2004, he obtained the title of «Meilleur Ouvrier de France».

Nowadays, Philippe Mahu works with Jean-Jacques Rampal who succeded Etienne Vatelot; he is in charge of the workshop and, part-time, he successfully makes his own instruments, many of which have received awards in prestigious International Violin Making Competitions. Examples of his awards include:

2006-2008: Certificate of Merit Violin Baltimore-Cleveland VSA

2009: First prize Viola Paris

2010: Gold Medal Viola Mittenwald

2011: Gold Medal Violin Paris

2011: Special prize of GLAAF (Groupement des Luthiers et Archetiers d’Art de France) for workmanship Viola

2012: Silver Medal Viola Cleveland VSA

2014: Bronze Medal Violin Mittenwald

2015-2021: Honourable Mention Viola Crémone

2016: Bronze Medal Violin Poznan