Viola making with TSO musician Doug Coghill

As a talented luthier and seller of high quality European string instruments, Doug is passionate about matching musicians with their perfect instruments.

He recently had this pleasure when fellow violists Mattea Osenk and Angelina Kim visited Hobart to perform with the TSO.

Mattea and Angelina, who are both with the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), have each purchased a viola made by Doug.

‘I've spent a long time playing on not very great instruments that were just lent out to me. But now that I found this one, I'm so happy. I just feel very grateful to have a really good quality viola, and one that I enjoy playing,’ Angelina says.

It is fascinating to hear musicians describe their relationship with their instruments.

For Angelina, her viola is like ‘just like a pet’.

‘Violas have very different personalities, so it is just like a pet in a way. Obviously, sound is really important (when choosing a viola), but also the look is also a very big thing for me personally. Doug has been sending me progress photos while he’s been making this instrument, but I was so excited to get here and see the finished product,’ Angelina says.

For Mattea, the connection is a little different.

‘For me, I see it more as a friend – without getting too deep! We have to we spend so much time alone with our instruments, so it's got to be like your best friend, in a sense. Like any sort of relationship, you have fights and you don't always get along. But at the end of the day, when you get up and perform it really is just you and your instrument,’ Mattea says.

‘And, anytime I feel any sort of overwhelming emotion, I can always just go to my viola and practice, and it'll take my mind off things,’ she adds.