I'm amazed! The viola from Ian has a complexity, sweetness and depth in the sound , I've never experienced before in a new instrument.
When I left my former job, I had to give back the old Italian, belonging to the orchestra. With Ian's viola, I miss nothing, just looking forward to discover all possibilities. And it looks gorgeous!Sune Ranmo, Viola. Former Solo violist of The Royal Danish Orchestra for 38 years. Currently a member of the Dahlia string trio.
Photo: Rob Davidson
We are very happy with the viola from Ian. The craftsmanship is exceptional and it has a beautiful and personal sound. We both enjoy playing on it and feel it has the potential to keep developing further.
Noah Bendix-Balgley, 1. Concertmaster Berlin Philharmonics and Shanshan Yao, Solo-Violinist
Six years ago I was very lucky to find my viola. The Instrument has many colours and overtones which had developed in a fantastic way during the past years. It sounds very even on all four strings and the playability is excellent. You can hear, feel and see that the viola was made with a lot of love and care. It is a pleasure to play on it every day!
Frauke Steichert, Orchestra Bremerhaven
The violin is both my partner and part of myself. As a musician we live in a symbiosis with our instrument. I was very curious when Ian showed me one of his new violins. But I didn’t realize how much I would fall in love with it. Its personality and immediate willingness to follow me, this thrilled me right from the beginning. Ian combines the body and soul of his instruments in a special beauty. I’m looking forward to every moment in the future where we can push our limits and touch the audience emotionally.
Juliane Manyak, Radio Symphony Berlin
I’ve been playing on Ian‘s Cello since it was made. I remember the day I went to see him at his workshop in Berlin, I tried the cello for the first time. I felt so lucky to have that opportunity and to play on such a great cello. I then had to depart from his cello and the period of time in which I waited for it ( not very patiently ) was very difficult. Now, over 2 years later, me and my cello have a very strong bond, there hasn’t been a day gone by where we haven’t made music. During this period of time the cello has developed and grown so much with me, it has been an amazing time of experimenting, learning and beauty. For me, one of the most important things I look for in a cello is colours and how the cello reacts to how I play “my colours”. I believe that we have found many and I hope that this is just the beginning of a very long journey.
Willard Carter
Every morning when I start playing on my McWilliams-Cello I feel happy about this great instrument. It has an especially beautiful sound and is assertive and adaptable at the same time. This Cello is a wonderful partner for all ensembles and genres. Thanks so much!
Stephan Buchmiller, German Opera Berlin
Photo: Neus Albero
In November 2017 and just "out of the oven" I received the Cello "Modell Joseph Guarneri Filius Andrea" built by Ian McWilliams. I was especially excited to be the first person to play this instrument and after 3 years I continue to discover... I finished my master at the Musikhochschule Lübeck with him and I am sure that he will accompany me for many more years or, why not, forever. I am still surprised by "how easy" it is to the touch and execution of the left hand. Round and warm sound, but at the same time concise and with projection. I am still in love with the shades of its varnish and its beautiful finishes... I can only recommend Ian! Thank you very much!
Noelia Balaguer Sanchis