A family passion
Alberto, Aida and Victor Salvi are the children
of a Venetian violin maker, Rodolfo Salvi,
who moved to Viggiano, a small city
in southern Italy famous for the construction
of harps.
In the early 20th century, the Salvi family
moved to the United States, where
their passion for this instrument sealed
the destiny of the three youngsters.
Alberto Salvi was to be defined
by the celebrated Nicanor Zabaleta
as "the greatest harpist of all time".
Aida Salvi became a composer and harpist
with the Chicago Opera. Victor Salvi became
a harpist with the New York Philharmonic
Orchestra and the NBC Orchestra under
Arturo Toscanini.
Alberto, Aida and Victor Salvi are the children
of a Venetian violin maker, Rodolfo Salvi,
who moved to Viggiano, a small city
in southern Italy famous for the construction
of harps.
In the early 20th century, the Salvi family
moved to the United States, where
their passion for this instrument sealed
the destiny of the three youngsters.
Alberto Salvi was to be defined
by the celebrated Nicanor Zabaleta
as "the greatest harpist of all time".
Aida Salvi became a composer and harpist
with the Chicago Opera. Victor Salvi became
a harpist with the New York Philharmonic
Orchestra and the NBC Orchestra under
Arturo Toscanini.
New York, 1954
This was the year and place of birth
of the first Salvi harp. The proud “father”
was Victor Salvi, who had decided to revive
his family’s instrument-making tradition.
With the collaboration of a few craftsmen,
he aspired to create a harp that would
surpass the sound and craftsmanship
of all existing harps and proceeded
to construct the first prototype.
In 1956, Victor Salvi moved back to Italy
and founded his company in a splendid site,
Villa Maria, in Genoa. The 16th-century
Villa Maria soon became a landmark
for musicians interested in a new
and revolutionary line of harps: Salvi harps.
This was the year and place of birth
of the first Salvi harp. The proud “father”
was Victor Salvi, who had decided to revive
his family’s instrument-making tradition.
With the collaboration of a few craftsmen,
he aspired to create a harp that would
surpass the sound and craftsmanship
of all existing harps and proceeded
to construct the first prototype.
In 1956, Victor Salvi moved back to Italy
and founded his company in a splendid site,
Villa Maria, in Genoa. The 16th-century
Villa Maria soon became a landmark
for musicians interested in a new
and revolutionary line of harps: Salvi harps.
The ancient
Marquisate
of Saluzzo
Victor Salvi and the ancient Marquisate
of Saluzzo, in the Italian region of Piemonte:
this was not a mere coincidence.
Wood craftsmanship sinks its roots deeply
into this land: from master carpenters,
to wood sculptors and inlayers.
This craftsmanship tradition gave rise
to a sense of culture and excellence
that won over Victor Salvi.
This is why he decided to move his company
to Saluzzo to further perfect his harps
and transform Salvi Harps into an exclusive
and prestigious brand name.
Marquisate
of Saluzzo
Victor Salvi and the ancient Marquisate
of Saluzzo, in the Italian region of Piemonte:
this was not a mere coincidence.
Wood craftsmanship sinks its roots deeply
into this land: from master carpenters,
to wood sculptors and inlayers.
This craftsmanship tradition gave rise
to a sense of culture and excellence
that won over Victor Salvi.
This is why he decided to move his company
to Saluzzo to further perfect his harps
and transform Salvi Harps into an exclusive
and prestigious brand name.
From Piasco
to the rest
of the world
Towards the end of the 1970s, Victor Salvi
moved his firm to Piasco, a small town
in the southern Varaita Valley, near Saluzzo.
This was the beginning of a new chapter
in Salvi history.
The concept and philosophy were new.
The capacity to optimize the sound
of this instrument was new.
Even the commitment to fulfilling the needs
of every individual harpist, from the aspiring
beginner, to the celebrated professional
was new. Salvi began creating a wide range
of harps, of unique and inimitable quality.
These harps became known and coveted
worldwide as Salvi Harps.
to the rest
of the world
Towards the end of the 1970s, Victor Salvi
moved his firm to Piasco, a small town
in the southern Varaita Valley, near Saluzzo.
This was the beginning of a new chapter
in Salvi history.
The concept and philosophy were new.
The capacity to optimize the sound
of this instrument was new.
Even the commitment to fulfilling the needs
of every individual harpist, from the aspiring
beginner, to the celebrated professional
was new. Salvi began creating a wide range
of harps, of unique and inimitable quality.
These harps became known and coveted
worldwide as Salvi Harps.
