Our Story

About Us

FOUNDERS AND SIBLINGS, EMMANUEL AND FRANCES BOROWSKY are life-long concert artists and have been performing internationally since the age of 6. They have received international acclaim for performances in over 35 countries, studied with renowned teachers, and between them have received degrees from the Iceland Academy of the Arts, Indiana University Bloomington, Towson University, Peabody Conservatory, and Folkwang University, culminating in performance doctorates from the University of Maryland. They have used instruments and bows of the highest caliber and thus intimately understand what players seek and require to enjoy their fullest artistic expression and shine on stage. In their research over many years, most notably through the Oberlin Acoustics Workshop organized by the Violin Society of America, the Borowskys have found that new instruments repeatedly prove themselves to be excellent tools for musical expression. Standards of workmanship and tone have risen to all time highs, and we are now in a new golden age of violin making.       

Therefore, in 2016, the Borowskys founded Grace Albert Strings to promote living, contemporary makers. Both established, award-winning makers, and prodigious up-and-coming makers are regularly represented in their line-up. Grace Albert Strings also carries a wide selection of strings and accessories. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have, and provide concierge services to help find your dream instrument or bow.

Emmanuel Borowsky

While at Indiana University, Emmanuel’s lifelong curiosity for how things work led him up into the violin making attic of the Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington IN, thrusting him into a world that few performers delve into: that of luthiers, bow makers, and acoustics. In 2008, he founded IU Strings, which grew into a successful online business with customers around the world, from Malta to Iceland. In 2014, Emmanuel was invited to be an artist-in-residence at the Oberlin Acoustics Workshop, organized by the Violin Society of America. Friendships and collaborations with top-tier makers developed there over the next few summers, and the hook was set; Emmanuel became passionate about the contemporary scene. He greatly enjoys sharing his insights with clients to help make their search a smooth and quick process.

Emmanuel Borrowsky Violin Finder

For more information on Emmanuel as a performing artist and teacher, visit www.EmmanuelBorowsky.com

Frances II

For more information on Frances as a performing artist and teacher, visit www.FrancesBorowsky.com

Frances Borowsky

Ever curious to know what her brother is up to, cellist Frances Borowsky’s deep interest in contemporary instruments blossomed after attending the Violin Society of America Convention with Emmanuel in Fall 2014. Since then, she has not only tested, but has performed on dozens of new and unfamiliar cellos, even performing her Carnegie Stern Hall debut on an instrument that was made just a few months prior. This has honed her approach to sound production, always seeking the fullest potential of each instrument. Frances joined Emmanuel as an artist-in-residence at the Oberlin Acoustics Workshop from 2016 through 2018. Through her collaboration with luthiers and their cellos, Frances has gained a deep understanding of instrument setup issues and solutions. She applies this knowledge to ensure that every cello at Grace Albert Strings receives the same comprehensive refinement.