Peter Maksylewich, Violin & Viola Maker

A former building contractor / cabinet-maker, Peter's love of the printed word led him to the in-depth exploration and discovery of a variety of subjects, including the making of stringed instruments. Upon his retirement to the interior of British Columbia in the mid 1980's, Peter followed this inspiration to create his own Violins and Violas.

After educating himself through initial repair work, Peter embarked upon a hobby / vocation that has yielded over fifty splendid instruments. Using aged Canadian woods, Peter utilized the patterns and styles of the great masters to handcraft violins and violas that produce a rich, warm sound, with significant carrying power.

I feel he was most successful with his Gaspar da Salo model violas. Possessing the same rich, dark sound characteristic of those of the Guarnerius Family, some of Peter's violas and violins have been purchased and played regularily by professional members of the Saskatoon and Regina Symphony Orchestras.

Other Maksylewich instruments are to be found throughout the Canadian Prairies, Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia.

Peter Maksylewich passed away at the age of 87 in Penticton, British Columbia, on April 26, 2004.

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January, 2005
Ernest Kassian
Associate Professor (Retired), University of Regina
Former Principal Viola, Regina Symphony Orchestra
Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra
National Youth Orchestra

Peter and his friend Howard used to get together every week to play cards and music. Peter would play the fiddle and Howard played the accordian.

One night after they had been playing a while, Peter remarked to Howard, "You know, I'm thinking of trying to make one of these fiddles."

Howard laughed, and responded "You?! You don't have the patience for that, Peter."

Well. The next day Peter was on the telephone to his daughter Sonia, who worked at the University, "I need a book, on how violins are made."

He got that book and he read it through, and that is how he started.

All you had to do was challenge him.

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August 2005
Cay Maksylewich
Wife of Peter Maksylewich for 69 years