Heritage Night: The Story of the Stradivarius of the West

The Story of the Stradivarius of the West is a historical lecture and performance by Aaron Zimola.

The story follows the extraordinary life of George W. Fisk, one of the pioneer founders of Greeley, CO and one of the most renowned violin makers of the late 19th century, whose violins were loved by many, including Ede Remenyi, Franz Liszt, Elbert Hubbard, and Colorado Governor Benjamin Eaton. The lecture will cover the highlights of Fisk's life and those around him, while Aaron plays the most popular music of the time from the US and Europe.

Aaron will demonstrate on a German-made 1906 violin, a 1878 Fisk before he had a proper violin pattern, and a 1908 Fisk, which was in Governor Eaton's family, to highlight the differences in quality, craftsmanship, and tone.
This lecture and performance explores the life, culture, and talent of the late 1800s and early 1900s in the West through the work of George W. Fisk.