– Yo Yo Ma, Cellist
Testimonials
Your viola is fun to play and it is as easy to produce a big sound as it
is to play soft. Every time I take this instrument out of its case, I instantly
get exited and can not wait to start playing!
Niklas Schwarz
Principal violist of the Essener Philharmoniker and violist of the Mannheimer
Streichquartett, Niklas Schwarz
I love my L&C viola and so do my colleagues in the Portland String
Quartet. It has a deep power in addition to tonal subtleties that work wonderfully
well in chamber music.
Julia Adams
Portland String Quartet
“Absolutely astonishing! Wonderful sound throughout all registers.”
Kurt Masur, Music Director Emeritus, New York Philharmonic,
Music Director, Orchestre National de France, Principal Conductor, London
Philharmonic. Conductor Laureate, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
“Absolutely incredible! Wonderful tone. Would this revolutionize
the music business world?”
Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, Chief Conductor of
the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI, HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torino%2C_Italy"
\o "Torino, Italy" Torino, Italy, and Music Director of the Dresden
Philharmonic Orchestra, Dresden, Germany, Conductor Emeritus of the Spanish
National Orchestra.
“Amazing tone and marvelous clarity.
Bernard Haitink, Conductor Chicago Symphony, former
Music Director of the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden (2002 –
04), the Royal Opera, Covent Garden (1988 – 2002), the Concertgebouw
Orchestra (1964 – 88), Glyndebourne Festival Opera (1978 – 88)
and the London Philharmonic (1967 – 79) and Conductor Emeritus of
the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
“A musical instrument has to be judged by the sound and the freedom
of expression that can be achieved by the player. This is why I purchased
one of these extraordinary instruments.”
Peter Worrall, Principal cellist, Hallé Orchestra,
Manchester England, 1975-2004
”I want to congratulate you on your accomplishment. This instrument
fills the enormous gap between the very best instruments and the ones just
about everyone plays on, and I think everyone should give it a try.”
James Fawcett, principal violist Southwest Florida
Symphony, associate principal violist, Philadelphia Orchestra, retired.
“Enormously huge and beautiful.”
David Robertson, Music Director, Saint Louis Symphony
Orchestra, principal guest conductor, BBC Symphony Orchestra.
“The Luis and Clark violin is astounding. It has such an excellent
sound. Beautiful sound. Truly beautiful, big sound. I like your instument
very much.”
Larry Grika, Emeritus violinist, Philadelphia Orchestra
Hearing the glorious voice of this viola every day and playing with such
comfort and ease has truly changed my life.
Thank you, thank you.
Richard Fleischman
Principal viola, Santa Fe Opera
Guest Principal viola, Hong Kong Philharmonic
San Francisco Symphony , former member
Professor of viola, New World School of the Arts
“The carbon-fiber instruments produced by Luis and Clark are truly
wonders of the modern world. They produce, at remarkably low cast, a beautiful
and very natural sound, speak clearly and project magnificently.
Robert Freeman, pianist, musicologist, Dean of the
College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Austin, former Director
of the Eastman School of Music for 1972-1996, President of the New England
Conservatory 1996-1999.
“The carbon-fiber cello is absolutely extraordinary, and I'm thrilled
with my purchase. It has a really big, rich tone, is comfortable to hold
due to smooth edges and lack of corners, and looks good. But best of all,
it is REALLY easy to play! I've always had a problem with tension in my
left arm/hand, which of course has always messed up my tone. This cello
is so easy to play that I've hauled out difficult pieces I haven't played
for years and am flying all over up in thumb position and sounding good
instead of forced - vibrato and tone in general are MUCH better! Even multiple
stops are a lot easier.”
Louise Frankenberg, "enthusiasic amateur"
The Luis and Clark carbon fiber cello is an amazing instrument. Its tone
is robust yet warm: it retains its clarity all dynamic levels, and its projection
and thrust are thrilling. A truly remarkable accomplishment!
Martin Bookspan, Voice of the New York Philharmonic
and host and commentator for all the Live from Lincoln Center and Great
Performances.
"Terrific--Wonderful sound, speaks so easily..."
Steven Ansell, Principal Viola, Boston Symphony Orchestra,
member of the Muir String Quartet
"My Luis and Clark cello continues to sound astonishingly beautiful
and perform consistantly, regardless of humidity or temperature."
Kaaren Makas, 37 years principal cello, New Orleans
Philharmonic, Emeritus principal, Louisianna Philharmonic.
"Unbelievable! I was blown away. I wouldn't have believed such a beautiful
sound could happen without wood."
–Robert Spano, Music Director, Atlanta Symphony
Orchestra
"I have been stunned by the beauty and the carrying power of the new
Luis and Clark cellos. Young people using the new instruments tell me that
they find the instruments inspiring to work with. And I recommend them highly,
especially as a best buy."
Robert Freeman, director, Eastman School of Music,
1972-96
president, New England Conservatory of Music, 1996-99
dean, College of Fine Arts, University of Texas at Austin,1999-
"I listened to the Luis and Clark cello with great interest and was
really astonished at not only the powerful and clear sound of the instrument,
but particularly by the fine quality of the sound..."
–Walter Nothas, Professor Munich Hochschule
fur Musik und Theater, Former Principal Cello Munich-Bavaira Symphony Orchestra
"I originaly pursued the Carbon Fiber Cello as a hedge against the
rigors of touring with the Bacon Brothers. I knew it would stand up but
I never expected it to replace my 75 year old Italian cello. It has. The
Luis and Clark cello stays with me from the most intimate to the most loud
and racous performance demands. I'm a believer!"
– Michael Bacon, cellist, The Bacon Brothers
"It is a pleasure to recommend the new and exciting concept of cello
design innovation of Luis Leguia. Carbon Fiber and design has combined to
give these instruments a singing and pure sound which is unique. I wholeheartedly
endorse this instrument for professional cellists to advanced students and
beyond."
–Leslie Parnas, Cellist
"I loved hearing you play on your Luis and Clark cello. It sounds
strong and beautiful and I am hoping you will soon make a violin so I can
be the first to own one! I wish you the best of luck in continuing to produce
and promote your terrific instruments"
–Paul Rosenthal, Artistic Director, Sitka Summer
Music Festival
"Luis Leguia, the brilliant cellist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra
has, in my opinion, created a master cello of unique materials in his Luis
and Clark cello. I have heard Mr. Leguia perform on this instrument and
have rarely heard such a deep sound on the "C" string, as well
as, the evenness and brilliance of the other registers. He has created a
new kind of masterpiece."
– Maurice Dubonnet, Associate Conductor to Leopold
Stokowski, Houston Symphony Orchestra
"I have known Luis Lequia since we both attended the Prades Festival
under Pablo Casals. I know him as a dedicated, sincere, and devoted person
for the cello and for music. The carbon fiber cello he has developed is
an absolutely credible addition to the practise of cello making and it has
a beautiful tone."
– Richard Kay, Former Assoc. Solo Cello, The
Metropolitan Opera
"The Luis and Clark cello is a very dependable cello – unaffected
by climactic conditions and extremely dependable for a concert musician
who must tour a lot. Ideal for mature graduate sutdents and professional
players. A very comfortable cello to play and listen to with fine tonal
qualities. I am very proud to endorse this cello."
– William Stokking, Principal Cello, The Philadelphia
Orchestra
My Luis and Clark carbon fiber cello, with its truly stunning sound and
elegant appearance, presents an invitation for any cellist to take a leap
into the future of music-making. I use it for country, classical and jazz—I
love it!
– Carol Procter, Cellist
The carbon-fiber cello of Luis and Clark sounds fabulous and real
– Yefim Bronfman
I really love this instrument... we can play music that is traditional,
but actually we are using technology to make it better.
– Yo Yo Ma, Cellist
"The Luis and Clark Cello offers fascinating possibilities for instrumental
and musical exploration."
– Yo Yo Ma, Cellist and Luis and Clark Cello
owner
"My Luis and Clark is the best viola I've ever played, and I can't
put it down. Clear and clean and strong, it allows me much more room for
expression than my wooden violas. It has been really liberating, not a Viola,
but something beyond."
Andrew Bacon
"The Luis and Clark viola is remarkably even and powerful"
Edwin Barker, principal bass, Boston Symphony Orchestra
"After having played the Luis and Clark cello, I must say its quality
and balance of tone along with its power of projection make it a remarkable
achievement. The instrument is certainly good value for the money."
– Andrew Pearce, Cellist, Boston Symphony Orchestra
"Mr. Leguia is a gentleman of great artistic integrity. His dedication
to the craft of making fine music is widely recognized. He now has taken
this artistic concept to developing a new instrument. I have listened with
great interest to the sound he produces on this instrument. It has a rich,
warm, bold and daring quality. I dare say, it will blend well with some
of the great "Masters'" instruments. I wish him much success."
– Vic Firth, Principal Tympanist, Boston Symphony
Orchestra
"During 24 years with the B.S.O., I have heard many beautiful sounding
celli and I am happy to report that the Luis and Clark carbon fiber cello
ranks very highly in terms of evenness on all strings, projection and a
remarkable quality of tone reminiscent of the fiery warmth of the work of
an old master craftsman."
–Ronan Lefkowitz, Violinist, Boston Symphony
Orchestra
"Luis Leguia's cello is beautiful to behold, and a joy to hear. A
synthetic instrument, it sounds full-bodied and rich and has a powerful
presence. A welcome addition to the marketplace, this cello should be considered
by students and professionals, who seeks a low price option for a durable,
yet quality instrument."
– Frank Epstein, Percussionist, Boston Symphony
Orchestra
"The Luis and Clark cello is a futuristic high tech instrument. It
is sturdy, attractive to look at, requires practically no maintenence, plays
like a traditional cello, and pumps out as much sound as you could ever
need. I am impressed by this cello. It is clear that a lot of hard work
and care went into the design of this fine instrument."
–Ronal Feldman, Cellist, Boston Symphony Orchestra
"This is the best instrument I've ever played. It's lighter than a
three-quarter-size violin, which enables me to play longer, with fewer back
and shoulder aches. It has a shape that allows easier access to the bow
and to the left arm. I've never played an instrument with a better tone.
If you think you can find a better instrument anywhere, I wish you luck!"
-Caroline Leguía, 5' 2", middle school
viola student
"On hearing Mr. Leguia's cello, I was caught by the unique combination
of a rich depth of sound and powerful projection. These qualities did not
seem to get in the way when a more soft textured dolce was demonstrated.
What marvelous ingredients for any instrument to have."
–Norman Bolter, Trombonist, Boston Symphony
Orchestra
"A remarkable achievement!"
–Sato Knudsen, Cellist, Boston Symphony Orchestra
"I heard three Luis and Clark carbon fiber cellos in the tuning room,
back stage, and on stage while performing in Symphony Hall Boston with the
orchestra. While not made in the traditional way, wood construction for
top plate, back, bouts, neck and scroll, these instruments sound in a traditional
manner. They have evenness over registers, a bright and mellow quality of
sound, and can sound very powerful in forte passages. The sound quality
is very comfortable and blends well in the orchestra."
– John Salkowski, Bass, Boston Symphony Orchestra
"The Luis and Clark cello has a powerful sound and projection."
– Chester Schmitz, Tuba, Boston Symphony Orchestra
"Luis Leguia has crafted an instrument, that in his hands, is capable
of producing a sound that is clear, focused and powerful. It should provide
a viable alternative on which young cellists may develop."
– Charles Schlueter, Principal Trumpet, Boston
Symphony Orchestra
"Having recently heard a graphite cello by Luis and Clark, I am writing
to express my impression of the instrument; it has a robust sound which
is not only big, but has quality. It is an amazing achievement and I look
forward to hearing more!"
– Joseph Scheer, Concertmaster, Boston Pops
Esplanade Orchestra
"The Luis and Clark cello, with its truly stunning sound and elegant
appearance, presents an invitiation for any cellist to take a leap into
the future of music-making. In all truth – I'm impressed!"
– Carol Proctor, Cellist, Boston Symphony Orchestra
"I have sat next to Mr. Leguia's Luis and Clark carbon fiber cello
in the B.S.O. and have found it to be as good as many of the cellos I have
sat next to, which includes old Italian instruments. It certainly is a good
or better than many of the modern instruments which go for three times the
price. It has very good volume and nice quality. I found it very easy to
play."
–Jerome Patterson, Cellist, Boston Symphony
Orchestra
"It plays easily and sounds great. Congratulations, Luis, for a remarkable
achievement!"
– Joel Moerschel, Cellist, Boston Symphony Orchestra
"Beautifullly engineered. The cello has a fine tone and quality craftsmanship."
–Edwin Barker, Principal Bass, Boston Symphony
Orchestra
"I have on serveral occasions heard the new design Luis and Clark
cello, and I was impressed by the excellent tonal characteristics of these
instruments, which also seem to have plenty of power or volume."
– Robert A. Olson, Double Bass, Boston Symphony
Orchestra
"The Luis and Clark carbon fiber cello has a fantastic sound and feels
good under the fingers. We were very impressed."
– Jaime Laredo and Sharon Robinson, Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson
Trio
"I love this cello…it's great.""It’s fantastic"
Yo Yo Ma, cellist.
"Amazing. The tone is surprisingly excellent. To equal the sound in
a wooden instrument, one would need to add two zeros to the price of the
Luis and Clark."
Edo de Waart, Chief Conductor of the Netherlands Opera,
Chief Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and Artistic
Director of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, former Music Director of the
Rotterdam Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and the Minnesota Orchestra.
"Fantastic sound and fantastic cello playing on CD—also wonderful
repertoire."
Cellist, Claudio Bohórquez
"My Luis and Clark cello continues to sound astonishingly beautiful
and perform consistantly, regardless of humidity or temperature."
Kaaren Makas, 37 years principal cello, New Orleans
Philharmonic, Emeritus principal, Louisianna Philharmonic.
"This is the best viola I've ever played,
and I can't put it down. Clear and clean and strong, it allows me much more
room for expression than my wooden violas. It has been really liberating,
not a Viola, but something beyond. I don't want to play anything else."
Andrew Bacon, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
"The Luis and Clark viola is remarkably even and powerful"
Edwin Barker, principal bass, Boston Symphony Orchestra
"Terrific--Wonderful sound, speaks so easily..."
Steven Ansell, Principal Viola, Boston Symphony Orchestra,
member of the Muir String Quartet
My Luis and Clark carbon fiber cello produces a rich ringing tone so effortlessly
that I would rather play on it than on my own wooden cellos. Also, I find
the unique shape of the instrument helps solve a number of physical problems
associated with cello playing like tired bow arm and the pain caused by
neck stress due to the C tuning peg.?
Gerald Appleman, Assistant Principal Cello (retired), New York Philharmonic
