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My Story

My name is Petar Ivanov

I was born in Bulgaria in 1974 and graduated from the Violin Making School in Kazanlak in 1994, under the guidance of master luthier Hristo Nikolov Hristov.

After gaining experience in the Czech Republic, Greece, and France, I settled in Italy, where I began my professional career as a restorer at the Musical Instrument Museum in Reggio Calabria.

Two years later, together with my then wife, the cellist Luisa Morabito, I opened my first violin-making workshop. Over the years, I have built and restored hundreds of instruments for professional musicians, conservatory students, and music enthusiasts.

My work has included violins, violas, cellos, double basses, guitars, harps, Baroque and Renaissance instruments, as well as many traditional Calabrian folk instruments.

Following my divorce, I moved to London, where a chance meeting with renowned double bass specialist Mr. Laurence Dixon became a turning point in my life. His generosity, professionalism, and dedication to the craft reignited my passion for violin making and inspired me to continue developing my skills at the highest level.

Today, with the support of Laurence Dixon and several respected colleagues, I work from my own workshop on the outskirts of London, which I proudly named Harmony Luthier.

Every instrument that leaves my workshop reflects my commitment to traditional craftsmanship, precision, and musical excellence.

I sign my work with a hot stamp bearing my name, Pietro Monti-RC, together with my personal symbol — a cross with the initials PM, enclosed within two circles.

Violin making is not only my profession; it is my life’s passion.