omo

Arts
**omo**

We cover the lives of violin makers, their best parts and worst parts, yesterday and today. Historical stories, interviews with experts and makers in the field. Omobono Stradivari was the least liked son of his father, Antonio, he was remembered in Antonio’s will as a screw up. He is our north star. We are all part of this. We all belong exactly here.

Latest Episodes:

Episode 90: Mentorship and Independence Sep 02, 2026

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Breaking into the world of luthiery can feel intimidating. We explore with Stacey Styles some of the questions on what newcomers into this industry can do to make connections that will last a lifetime.

Special Guest: Stacey Styles.

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Episode 89: An Ethical Evening with Ben Hebbert Jun 12, 2026

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Episode 88: Celso de Mello talks about Pernambuco May 29, 2026

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Becka Hannigan sits down with Celso de Mello, co-founder of Arcos Brasil, to discuss the changing world of bow making, exotic wood conservation, and the increasingly complex realities of working with Pernambuco and alternative bow woods in Brazil.

Celso shares his firsthand perspective from decades in the industry, beginning in the mid-1990s when regulations surrounding Pernambuco were less restrictive, through the major CITES changes of 2007, and into the modern era of strict tracking, auditing, and environmental oversight. He explains how the Brazilian government monitors and documents wood through extensive databases and chain-of-custody systems, creating a highly regulated environment for makers and exporters.

The conversation explores Arcos Brasil’s long history in the bow trade, the company’s involvement in conservation and replanting efforts, and the broader challenge of preserving both endangered species and the centuries-old tradition of bow making. Celso also discusses the company’s transition in recent years toward producing bows from Ipe and other alternative woods as the industry adapts to evolving regulations and environmental realities.

Resources:
https://arcosbrasil.com/
http://www.ipci-usa.org/support.html
https://www.alliance-international.org/know-your-bow-postcard/

Special Guest: Celso de Mello.

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Episode 87: Pernambuco Update with Lynn Hannings and Heather Noonan May 26, 2026

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How do we preserve pernambuco while protecting the future of bow making?

In this episode of Omo, hosts Becka Hannigan and Brooke Esplin speaks with renowned bow maker Lynn Hannings and arts policy advocate Heather Noonan about pernambuco conservation, international regulation, and the realities facing the bow world in 2026.

Lynn Hannings brings decades of experience as a professional bassist, bow maker, restorer, and educator. A longtime teacher at the University of New Hampshire Violin Craftsmanship Institute and current Vice President of Alliance-International, she has been a leading voice in sustainable bow making and conservation efforts within the industry.

Heather Noonan, Vice President for Advocacy at the League of American Orchestras, works at the intersection of arts policy, government relations, and international treaty negotiations involving protected species and the movement of musical instruments across borders.

The discussion covers the history of pernambuco regulation, recent CITES negotiations, sustainable forestry efforts, and current bow wood restrictions. These regulations exist not to end bow making, but to preserve these species so they can continue to be responsibly used for generations to come. In order to really protect the future of Pernambuco in Brazil and our precious music traditions, we will need coordination and cooperation from all shops, makers, and musicians. This is not the time for apathy, but for action!

Resources:
https://www.alliance-international.org/know-your-bow-postcard/
https://www.alliance-international.org/
https://americanorchestras.org/
http://www.ipci-usa.org/support.html
https://shop.lahbows.com/

Special Guests: Heather Noonan and Lynn Hannings.

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Episode 86: Denver Violins Feb 22, 2026

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Aquiles and Liz interview Mackenzie Miller about Denver Violins.

Special Guest: Mackenzie Miller .

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Episode 85: The Texas Violin Shop Dec 20, 2025

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Aquiles and Jerry interview Estafan Cortez on he and and Samantha's journey to becoming business owners.

Special Guest: Estefan Cortez .