VC INTERVIEW | Ole Wichmann Discusses New Larsen Aurora Violin String Set

"A new string for all players reaching that sweet spot of balance between brilliance, warmth, breadth, and focus for almost all violins"

The Violin Channel recently discussed the new Larsen Aurora Violin String Set with Ole Wichmann, Vice President in Sales and Marketing of Larsen Strings.

 

Tell us about your new Larsen Aurora Violin string set?

The predominant theme of our new design was to create a string for all. The E string features a carbon steel core and the A is aluminum wound on a synthetic core. The D is available as either double wound aluminum or as D Silver, wound with a layer of aluminum and one of high-grade silver. The G is wound with the same high-grade silver. 

 

How does this set differ from the other violin string sets in the Larsen family?

This is our most versatile violin string set yet. A new string for all instruments and players adding a faster response and deeper density, reaching that sweet spot of balance between brilliance, warmth, breadth, and focus for almost all violins. 

 

Which players would you recommend this set to? And why?

Aurora Violin is a string for all ages from the youngest student starting at the very beginning to the seasoned professional looking for a new, higher quality, reference standard for violin strings.

Like out CEO Laurits Th. Larson said, 'Even the youngest child should have the possibility to tell their story.'

 

You successfully released the Aurora full set for cello earlier this year. Does the violin set have similar timbre and responsiveness qualities?

The Aurora Cello is our entry-level set for young cello students, so,  the responsiveness and easy playability are some of the most important characteristics.

The Aurora Violin set has the same characteristics and affordability but is also developed for professional violinists looking for a new, higher quality, reference standard for violin strings. 

 

What kind of feedback have you been receiving from players and your distributors?

We have been getting very good feedback already. Two violinists, Esther Abrami and Mihaela Oprea, have been playing Aurora since they were prototypes and have both recorded CDs with Aurora Violin strings.

Our distributors have also seen huge interest from music schools because of the fractional sizes, easy playability, and affordable price.

 

Can you tell us a little about your company’s developmental process for the creation of a new string, such as this?

The development of this set was very special. Our CEO and Founder Laurits Th. Larsen himself was directly involved in the development. During prototype manufacturing, he was ready with his violin next to the machine for the immediate test of the various ideas. This has made the development time much faster than normal.

Principal second violin of the Denmark Philharmonic, Mihaela Oprea, assisted us in the development of the Aurora Violin set. She just released a recording of her playing the Carl Nielson and George Enescu Sonatas.

 

Are the new Aurora violin strings available also in fractional sizes?

Yes, the Aurora Violin strings are available in full size in Medium or Strong with a choice of D strings in Aluminium or Silver. They are also available in fractional sizes with Medium tension from ¾ to 1/16 sizes.

It is of note that the fractional E in 1/8 and 1/16 sizes is wound with aluminum to assist with ease of playing. 

 

Do you have plans to also launch the set for viola?

We have not developed Aurora for Viola yet, but a lot of violists are asking for it…

 

Where can we buy or order the Aurora violin string set?

In the USA, our exclusive distributor is Glasser Bows. They have already started shipping the Aurora Violin strings to distributors and shops. So, all shops carrying Larsen Strings should be carrying them.