This summer, sophomore Fedor Ouspensky traveled to Italy with his parents for two weeks.

“We went to Italy because of its music and culture,” said Ouspensky. “I really want to see the world.”

While planning his trip, he stumbled across an interesting idea.

“I was looking online for what to do in Italy and I found a list of violin makers,” said Ouspensky.

So he began the search for the maker of his violin.

Some of the world’s finest violins are made right in Florence. The crafters are sponsored by companies whom they craft the violins for, then are sent off, rarely to be seen again.

“I’ve had this violin for three years, although it’s about eight years old,” said Ouspensky.

Although not the original owner, Ouspensky was successful in locating its creator. The production of violins is widely popular throughout Italy.

 “We found my violin maker in Florence, Italy in a shop about as small as a bathroom that was covered with violins,” said Ouspensky.  “My violin maker was very happy because she usually has no idea what happens to her violins.”

The violin maker was so grateful to see her craft put to use, that she even had Ouspensky play it for her and then she tuned it to improve its sound.

Ouspensky is a talented violinist who has been playing for ten years.

“When I was five, my parents made me start playing, but I really like music,” said Ouspensky.

Along with being a part of the South Lakes String Ensemble, he also belongs to the American Youth Harmonic Orchestra.

“I try and practice about four hours a day,” said Ouspensky.

Along with playing the violin, Ouspensky enjoys biking, tennis, and writing songs. As for his future, he would like to be a professional violinist, but most likely without his Italian violin.

“I will trade violins if I go into the profession,” said Ouspensky. “Or if I find a really good sounding instrument.”