Tarisio to Auction Violin by Ukrainian Luthier Oleksandr Smykovskyi

A violin made by displaced Ukrainian luthier Oleksandr Smykovskyi will be auctioned by Tarisio later this May, in an effort to raise funds.

Smykovskyi is from the city of Mariupol, which has been devastated by the Russian forces, along with his home and workshop.

The violin, which was made some time ago, is currently owned by American violinist Gary Sinderovsky. Sinderovksy is based in Philadelphia and has volunteered to put the instrument up for auction in support of the luthier. The auction house, Tarisio, is also playing a role by waiving the seller and buyer fees associated with the auction.

"My home and my violin shop are completely destroyed, including all my tools, my woods, all instruments including five new violins in various stages of completion," Smykovskyi said of his situation.

"Like many of my countrymen, I am now a displaced person, a refugee without any basic belongings or means of livelihood."

After hearing Smykovskyi's story, many people from around the world have made the effort to offer him somewhere to stay outside of Ukraine as the conflict continues. However, martial law is now in place in Ukraine, meaning that all fit and able men between the ages of 18 and 60 can be called up for military service at any time. Smykovskyi is therefore not permitted to leave Ukraine.

Aruna Talapatra, who lives in Long Island, has organized a GoFundMe page to raise money in support of Smykovskyi's work. At the time of writing, $3,863 has been raised; you can make a donation here.