Liang Yi Museum is delighted to have Robert Brewer Young, one of the world’s most active and respected violinmakers, as our June speaker of Liang Yi talks. The celebrated work of violinmaker Antonio Stradivari will be presented in this lecture, with Robert examining the many ways in which Stradivari made an impact on music and our understanding of ultimate craftsmanship. Stradivari's unique genius will be brought to life with brief musical excerpts played on two of the violins made by him, evoking the world of early 18th century Cremona. The relationship between artistic expression, craftsmanship and engineering finds unique expression in the instruments he left to history, and this multi-media lecture will highlight why centuries after his death, Stradivari is still considered the best violinmaker of all time. Robert trained as a luthier in the artists' studios of Carnegie Hall, and he devotes his time exclusively to making cellos, violins and violas in the spirit of Stradivari, Guarneri and other classical Italian masters. His instruments are played by members of the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, the Paris Opera Orchestra, and by soloists worldwide. He is currently one of the directors of W.E. Hill & Sons – a British firm founded in 1762; masters of violin and bow-making; and the sponsor of this event. Instruments and bows crafted in the new Hill workshop in London will also be on display.