EXPERIENCE V. RICHELIEU VIOLINS & VIOLAS
Our Annual Calendar of Events
At V. Richelieu, we believe that the true soul of a violin or viola is only revealed when it is played. That is why, year after year, we travel across the country and across the ocean to participate in the industry’s most respected gatherings.
From major educator conferences to specialized lutherie exhibitions, we maintain a consistent presence at these events to support the teachers, performers, and students who have made V. Richelieu a trusted name in the string community.
WHY WE ATTEND
For over two decades, our workshop has been dedicated to creating instruments that offer the tonal complexity and response of a fine old instrument with the reliability of modern craftsmanship. Our annual tour allows us to:
Support Educators: We work closely with Suzuki associations and the American String Teachers Association to ensure we are meeting the needs of the next generation.
Connect with Players: Every event is an opportunity for us to receive direct feedback from the artists who play our instruments.
Showcase Innovation: We bring our latest violins and violas so you can hear the evolution of our workshop’s sound.
OUR ANNUAL PRESENCE
Look for our booth and come try our instruments at these recurring events:
North Texas Suzuki Association (NTSA) – February
As a staple of the Texas string community, this year we started exhibiting at the NTSA to support the Suzuki method and provide students and teachers in the region the opportunity to play-test our violins and violas.
We presented the V. Richelieu instruments at two incredible events:
Saturday, February 21st
Lakewood Elementary
Sunday, February 22nd
Suzuki Institute Dallas | North Texas Suzuki Association Event
Collaborating with these wonderful organizations is an absolute honor, and we couldn't be more excited to connect with the vibrant music communities in both locations.
American String Teachers Association (ASTA) – February/March
The ASTA National Conference is the heartbeat of string education in the USA. We are proud to be a consistent presence here, where our instruments are frequently recommended by teachers for their students’ professional growth.
ASTA allows us to connect with the teachers, directors, and performers who inspire students every day.
American Viola Society (AVS) – June
This year, the AVS will be held at rotating prestigious locations like James Madison University, this is where we celebrate "our Violas" We bring a wide selection of V. Richelieu violas, known specifically for their resonance and ergonomic comfort.
June 3-6, 2026
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Summer Suzuki Institutes – June & July
From the Atlanta Suzuki Institute at the University of Georgia to Colby College in Maine and the Austin Suzuki Institute, we spend our summers supporting these intensive learning environments. We believe students at this level deserve instruments that don't hold them back.
Atlanta Suzuki - June 22-26, 2026
Colby College in Waterville Maine - June 28-July 4, 2026
Austin Suzuki
Seattle Suzuki
Mondo Musica (Cremona, Italy) – October
The world’s most important exhibition for handcrafted musical instruments. Our presence in Italy allows us to represent American lutherie on a global stage and stay at the forefront of the international string industry.
Oct 2 to Oct 4, 2026
Violin Society of America (VSA) – November
We conclude our year at the VSA, joining the world’s finest makers to celebrate the art of violin making. It is an essential stop for anyone serious about the craft and performance of string instruments.
The 2026 VSA Convention in Cleveland (Nov 15–20)
International Society of Bassists (ISB) Convention
Innovation is at the core of our workshop, and nowhere is this more evident than our representation of GaiaTone at the International Society of Bassists (ISB) convention. As the world moves toward more sustainable lutherie, we are proud to showcase GaiaTone—a revolutionary, eco-friendly alternative to traditional Ebony fingerboards. Designed to provide the same density, feel, and tonal clarity as the finest Madagascar Ebony without the environmental impact, GaiaTone is becoming the choice for bassists who demand performance and longevity. Our annual presence at ISB allows us to put these fingerboards directly under the fingers of the world’s elite bassists, proving that the future of the string industry is both sustainable and sonically superior.
Connecting with Players, Makers & Teachers: Moments from the Road
TRY A V. RICHELIEU NEAR YOU
EXPLORE PURCHASE & RENTAL OPTIONS THROUGH OUR NETWORK OF OUTSTANDING PARTNERS
While our workshop is nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont, we understand that finding the right violin or viola requires a personal connection. To ensure every player has the chance to experience a V. Richelieu instrument, we have partnered with a select group of the finest violin shops across the USA.
Each of our partner shops is chosen for their expertise, integrity, and dedication to the string community. At these locations, you can play-test our Vermont-made instruments in a professional environment, with the guidance of expert luthiers and staff.
THE VERMONT WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE
There is something special about visiting the place where your instrument was born. Our main workshop in South Burlington, Vermont, is where our master luthiers graduate every plate and apply every coat of oil varnish by hand.
When you visit us in Vermont, you aren’t just trying an instrument; you are stepping into a tradition of American lutherie. We welcome players to schedule an appointment to tour the shop, see GaiaTone innovation in action, and find a violin or viola that truly speaks to them.
If you don't see a shop in your immediate area, contact us directly at info@vrichelieu.com or Text Us: +1 802 648 6371 or Call 802 862 0349. We offer a specialized trial-by-mail program to ensure you can experience a V. Richelieu no matter where you are located.