German string instrument maker Andreas Haensel has been awarded both the gold and silver medals, for 2 separate instruments, at the 5th International Association of Italian Violin Makers Competition, in Cremona.
The bronze medal was awarded to Alvaro Corrochano, from Spain.
A graduate of the Mittenwald School of Violin Making, and a student of master luthier Alfred Zecho at the workshop of Karl Höfner, Haensel, 41 has since 2009 worked from his own studio in Kleinsendelbach, Germany.