“Evan is an exceptionally talented bow maker who combines extensive knowledge with imagination and the ability to respond to each individual player’s needs. Whether you enjoy flexible, delicate bows or bows with power and strength, Evan can achieve a balance of qualities tailored to each player. He does not make bows to a standard prescription but instead lets the unique qualities of each piece of wood guide his design. Each bow is a work of art. I recommend him with the greatest enthusiasm!”
— Edward Dusinberre (First violin, Takács Quartet)
“ I’ve had the great fortune in acquiring a fantastic viola bow by Evan Orman. The bow is a rare combination of power and finesse, and is a perfect match for my instrument. It draws a great variety of colors out of my instrument, and is highly responsive to all that I ask from it. I highly recommend his work to my colleagues and students alike”
— Claude Sim (Professor of violin, C.U. Boulder, Associate Concertmaster, Colorado Symphony Orchestra)
“The transitional bow works great with my 1729 Guarneri. I guess a bit of an age difference is good sometimes...
Evan made me a bow that just fits me perfectly! And he’d never met me before...”
— Timo-Veikko Valve (Principal Cello, Australian Chamber Orchestra)
“I have recently tried out over 25 viola bows from among America’s top makers. Evan Orman’s two bows were in the highest echelon. He is able to combine expert craftsmanship with his experience as an accomplished string player, to create bows which are subtle, agile, and powerful.”
— Stephen Wyrczynski (Professor of Viola, the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, Philadelphia Orchestra [ret.]
“I’ve been using a bow from Evan since about 2009 and I don’t think it has ever crossed my mind to look for a different one because it simply does exactly what I want it to do when I tell it to. It is not only beautifully crafted and balanced, but unusually versatile in its immediacy, agility, power, and palette of colors. It’s really a perfect fit for the wide variety of repertoire that I perform — anything from Bach to Zorn and everything between — and has repeatedly proven itself to be my most reliable tool for sonically realizing what each individual piece of music wants to convey.”
— Jay Campbell (Renowned soloist and cellist of the Jack Quartet)
“During my career as a violinist I have had the opportunity to concertize using many fine bows including Sartory, Voirin, Hill, Ouchard and others. I can say with all honesty that my new Tourte model by Evan Orman has all those other bows sitting in the case. The Orman has power and sophistication, and I use it now exclusively. It’s the perfect match for my Gagliano. Bravo, Evan!”
— John Fadial- Professor of Violin, University of Wyoming. Violinist, Helios Piano Trio
I began my musical studies as a cellist, starting at 10 years old. I grew up in a musical household, and had early experiences with woodworking (in addition to being an acclaimed printmaker, my father has built a number of violins, violas, and guitars).
After attending the North Carolina School of the Arts, The Banff Centre and the New England Conservatory of Music, I embarked on a career in music. Having been fascinated by instrument-making for many years, I eventually focused my attention on bows and bowmaking.
Early on in My bowmaking career, my primary mentors and influences were Stéphane Thomachot, Eric Grandchamp, Morgan Anderson, David Forbes, Lee Guthrie, and Tim Baker, among others.
Bowmaking has allowed me to retain my connection with the music I love and It is also a beautiful art in and of itself- an elegant tool for the creation of music.
I am a Member of the american federation of violin and bow makers,the british violin making association and the violin society of america.
