Ines Lecher & Mathieu Fourrier Viola 16.5" Klagenfurt Austria 2026

This viola was made by Ines Lecher and Mathieu Fourrier in Klagenfurt, Austria, in 2026. Lecher graduated from the Newark School of Violin Making, after which she worked in Berlin, focusing on restoration and Baroque instruments. From here she joined the New Making team in the workshop of Florian Leonhard in London, where she focused on creating true copies of the finest Italian violins. Fourrier has too had a notable career, beginning with attending the Newark School of Violin Making and then also moving to Berlin. He then returned to the UK and worked under Philip Ihle in 2018. Since then, Lecher and Fourrier opened a workshop in Klagenfurt, where they make contemporary stringed instruments and undertake some restoration. This viola is sold with a certificate of authenticity and photos from the maker.

This viola bears two labels, the first being a replica 'Gaßparo da Salò in Breßcia' the second is in the form of a stamp 'Lecher & Fourrier / Klagenfurt 2026'. This viola is modelled after a Gasparo da Salo. The back is of two-piece, highly-flamed maple with matching ribs and scroll. The top is made from medium-grained spruce. It is finished with an amber-brown varnish and the fittings are made from matching ebony. The body measures 416mm along the back, 198mm across the upper bouts and 249mm across the lower bouts.

This viola is particularly easy to play considering its size, and boasts a bright, projective sound. It is energetic and vibrant in the upper register, and dark and lush in the lower. It responds well to dynamic and bow changes and would be highly suited for players at a tertiary or professional level, who enjoy solo or chamber playing.

Please contact us if you would like to try this lovely Austrian viola!