Writers Among Us features local author John Marchese

NARROWSBURG, NY — Local musician and award-winning journalist John Marchese will read from his latest work of nonfiction, “The Violin Maker,” on Sunday, March 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the Delaware Arts Center, 37 Main Street.

The book explores the question, “How does a simple piece of wood become a violin?” Marchese finds out as Eugene Drucker, a member of the world–renowned Emerson String Quartet, commissions Sam Zygmuntowicz, a Brooklyn craftsman, to make him a new violin. In the process, the writer shares the rich lore of this beloved instrument.

“I set out to write a straight-forward nonfiction account,” Marchese said, “and stumbled into a kind of mystery story. Its two protagonists, an artist and an artisan, have very modern needs, but both are haunted by a legendary figure who has been dead for centuries.” In addition to reading from the book, Marchese will present video clips of his two main characters discussing their art, as well as audio clips of the commissioned instrument.

Marchese’s previous book, “Renovations: A Father and Son Rebuild a House and Rediscover Each Other,” chronicled his efforts to restore his country house.

The suggested donation to Writers Among Us is $3. A reception follows the reading. This series is curated by Janet Noble, a playwright living in New York City and Narrowsburg.

For more information call 845/252-7576 or visit ArtsAllianceSite.org. This literary series is made possible in part with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.