Beijing, May 20, 2026 — Today, the fifth episode of the Violin Temple Treasure Hall Luthier Interview Series was recorded at the venue. The guest for this episode was Mr. Zheng Benjun, a national second-level violin maker and contracted luthier for Yueheng Violins. The interview was hosted by curator Tian Lifu and chief advisor Hao Li. This marks the fifth installment of the series, following the special episodes featuring luthier Liang Zhiling, bow maker Pu Chunming, case maker Jin Mali, and luthier Yang Jinlong, and is also the third in-depth conversation with a luthier.

Violin Temple Luthier Series Interview, Episode 5: Zheng Benjun – A Luthier Specializing in the Guarneri "Cannon," Eight Years of Breakthroughs Showcasing Full-Category Craftsmanship Event Overview The Violin Temple Luthier Series Interview is a long-term interview project initiated by the Violin Temple Treasure Hall, aimed at providing luthiers, bow makers, and artisans in related fields with a professional platform for public expression, bringing these long-hidden craftsmen into the industry and public spotlight. The luthier specials are co-hosted by Curator Tian Lifu and Chief Advisor Hao Li, fostering deep dialogue between "those who make the violin" and "those who play the violin"; the bow maker specials are hosted solely by Curator Tian Lifu, focusing on the more "invisible" group of bow makers. The interviews are published successively in the "Master Column" on the Violin Temple official website. Guest Interview: Zheng Benjun – Specializing in the "Cannon," Apprenticed to Chang Zhongqiu, Eight Years of Comeback in Competitions Mr. Zheng Benjun is a member of the Chinese Violin Makers Association, a national second-level violin maker, and a contracted luthier for Beijing Yueheng Violins. Born in 1979 in Leling City, Shandong Province, he entered the field of violin making in 1999 at the age of twenty. In 2001, he became a disciple of the renowned contemporary luthier Chang Zhongqiu, dedicating himself to studying traditional violin-making techniques. From his apprenticeship to establishing his independent studio in 2017, a full sixteen years passed—this long period of dormancy laid a solid foundation for his later technical breakthroughs. Apprenticeship under Chang Zhongqiu is a key milestone in Zheng Benjun's luthier career. Chang Zhongqiu, a multiple award winner at international competitions such as the VSA, is a highly influential figure in China's violin-making circle. Zheng Benjun inherited his legacy, forming an independent and distinctive approach—specializing in replicating the Guarneri del Gesù 1743 "Cannon" model, the legendary violin of Paganini. Among Chinese luthiers, choosing between Guarneri and Stradivari is not just a technical decision but an expression of aesthetic stance—Guarneri represents wildness, individuality, and unruliness, and focusing on the "Cannon," the most recognizable model in the Guarneri family, makes a particularly bold statement. On the international competition stage, Zheng Benjun has shown a rare, continuous trajectory of improvement. In 2010, he participated in the China International Violin Making Competition for the first time, ranking 30th in violin. Over the next eight years, he never stopped competing and refining. In 2016, he placed 6th in cello at the China International Violin Making Competition; in 2019, he placed 11th in viola at the same event—achieving rankings in violin, cello, and viola, demonstrating full-category craftsmanship. 2018 was a landmark year: he won the Violin Tone Quality Award at the VSA International Violin Making Competition in the United States. The VSA evaluates both workmanship and tone quality, and the tone award signifies international recognition of his instruments' sound quality. That same year, he won the Antique Bronze Award for violin at the International Violin Making Competition in Bulgaria—recognition in the "antique" category, perfectly aligning with his focus on replicating the Guarneri "Cannon." From 30th place to the VSA Tone Award and the Bulgarian Antique Bronze Award, his continuous breakthroughs over eight years make him a quintessential example of a Chinese luthier's comeback and advancement. In 2020, he also received a finalist award at the International Violin Making Competition in Malta, maintaining consistent performance on the international stage. In terms of craftsmanship, Zheng Benjun insists on using pure Italian imported oil varnish. His top plates are made from top-grade Italian spruce, and his back and side plates from Bohemian maple, with wood naturally air-dried for over twenty years. His bridges are French Aubert De luxe—from material selection to varnish, he fully aligns with traditional European luthier standards. Oil varnish is more complex and time-consuming than spirit varnish, but the depth of color and transparency of sound it achieves are unmatched by spirit varnish, forming a crucial technical foundation for the international recognition of his instruments' tone quality. This interview was co-hosted by Curator Tian Lifu and Chief Advisor Hao Li. Mr. Hao Li, a former solo violinist with the Central Orchestra of China, engaged in dialogue from the dual perspectives of making and playing. Tian Lifu approached from the viewpoint of "those who make the violin," discussing industry ecology, distribution channels, and pricing logic, while Hao Li probed from the perspective of "those who play the violin," focusing on model differences, tone evaluation, and playing experience. Particularly on topics like the Guarneri vs. Stradivari debate and the judging logic of the VSA Tone Award, the performer's perspective enriched the dialogue. The interview delved into Zheng Benjun's specialization choice, his apprenticeship lineage, competition experiences, oil varnish techniques, and the survival strategies of a contracted luthier, presenting a real-life portrait of a mid-priced handmade violin maker. The Far-Reaching Significance of the Series Interviews The Violin Temple Luthier Series Interview continues to advance, consistently affirming its core mission: "Let luthiers be seen, let good violins sell for good prices." The exquisite skills and contributions of the luthier community have long been little known to the public, and the market value of outstanding works is often underappreciated. As a representative of mid-priced handmade violin makers, Zheng Benjun's experience reveals a frequently overlooked reality—handmade violins starting at 25,000 RMB can still deliver internationally award-winning tone quality and authentic European materials and techniques. Price should not be the sole measure of a violin's quality. Through this series of interviews, Violin Temple provides a platform for artisans to express themselves professionally and showcase their work to the public, enabling practitioners and music lovers to understand the craftsmanship and stories behind each violin, thereby driving outstanding works to gain the value recognition they deserve. Looking Ahead The Violin Temple Treasure Hall will continue to advance the Luthier Series Interview, inviting more luthiers and bow makers to participate, presenting the spirit of craftsmanship and the beauty of artistry through in-depth dialogue. The interviews will be published successively in the "Master Column" on the Violin Temple official website. Stay tuned. Violin Temple Treasure Hall Address: Building 6, Beijing Music Industrial Park, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Inside DiBass Audio Hall) Website: www.violintemple.com

Violin Temple Luthier Interview Series Episode 5: Zheng Benjun — A Luthier Specializing in Guarneri "Cannon," Eight Years of Comeback Writing All-Round Mastery