José Catoira

Luthier

The cosmopolitan luthier

José is a classical musician and began training in lutherie at the age of 16
He specialises in traditional violin-making techniques
He draws inspiration from 17th and 18th-century Italian and Iberian instruments

Following the advice of his mentor José Álvarez López, at the turn of the millenium Galician luthier José Catoira moved to London to study the making of violins, violas and cellos under the guidance of Christopher Thorp at London Metropolitan University. He continued his studies at the prestigious Newark School of Violin Making where he graduated with Upper Merit honours. José's professional path includes collaborations with esteemed workshops all over the world, including Juliet Barker in Cambridge, Fred Oster in Philadelphia, Marc Soubeyran in Ludlow, Germán Arias and Gonzalo Bayolo in Galicia, and Potters Violins in Washington, DC. Nowadays, José actively participates in international gatherings such as those held by the Violin Society of America in Oberlin (Ohio) and Brandenburg (Germany). These are key events for the exchange of knowledge in acoustics and aesthetics. “My work is a process focused on attention to detail. Each instrument is crafted individually, and every component is carefully selected and considered for that specific piece,” he says.

Interview

How did you decide to take up this craft?: I remember visiting a hurdy-gurdy workshop in Sarria, Lugo, when I was 16. That visit sparked a deep curiosity in me. I chose this profession because I was a traditional musician and was fascinated by everything related to instruments – their craftsmanship and construction.
When did you begin?: I started by making small percussion instruments and reeds for bagpipes. Then, during my training at the School of Arts and Crafts in London, I began building Celtic harps, which eventually led me to classical string instruments.
How much of Galicia is in your work?: Galicia is incredibly rich in both traditional and classical music. As a traditional musician, I have been deeply connected to this world since a young age. It is also a heavily forested region, offering valuable timber resources, ideal for instrument making.
What advice would you give to a young luthier?: Being a luthier is highly demanding and requires intense focus and a constant pursuit of improvement. I would advise anyone considering this path to engage in deep self-reflection and ensure their choice comes from a place of true vocation, without hesitation.

José Catoira is a master artisan: he began his career in 2001 and he started teaching in 2009