About Us
As musicians, we deeply understand the personal relationship between a player and their instrument.
Jonathan Solars
Director
After leaving a professional career as a violinist, Jonathan worked with René A. Morel and later partnered with Florian Leonhard. His understanding of sound, gained through years of professional training and performance practice, combined with his knowledge and experience with string quartet family instruments and bows, has major musicians from across the globe seeking his assistance in their searches.
Jonathan began his studies on the violin at a young age, and his love for fine stringed instruments was evident early on. At 18, he started his studies at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music where he studied violin, baroque violin, and viola, eventually graduating with a degree in Violin Performance.
In 2004, Jonathan moved to New York City to pursue his passion for violins and, in 2005, became Sales Manager for René A. Morel. Jonathan has a proven track record of success in building collections and being a global leader in the sale of historically important instruments, starting with his experience with René A. Morel and culminating in his partnership with Florian Leonhard in 2014.
Today, he operates a boutique in New York City with his wife, violinist Katie Thomas. He holds the distinction of being one of only three Certified Members of the Appraisers Association of America in his field globally and is also a Board Member of the Elevar Foundation and the International Contemporary Ensemble.
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Katie Thomas
Violinist
Professional Freelance Violinist, Chamber Musician, and Soloist, Katie Thomas has performed widely throughout the major venues in NYC and has been a soloist with orchestras internationally. She won a Grammy Award for her work with Sarah Jarosz on her album World on the Ground. Katie is always happy to lend an ear to anyone needing her expertise with their search.
“Just left of downstage center, one musician...Katherine Thomas, focusing the sound of the orchestra, fighting the tide, and delivering solo phrase after solo phrase with thoughtful integrity enough for a Brahms Concerto...”
Astonishing audiences with her musical vitality, Katie Thomas brings incredible confidence, versatility, and artistry to her performances. Her work attracts both critical and professional praise and reflects her adaptability as a soloist, chamber musician, studio violinist, and as a leading orchestral musician.
Katie won a Grammy for her work for Sarah Jarosz’s award-winning album World On The Ground. She has additionally recorded with artists Rosanne Cash, Jimmy Falon, Bebe Rexha, Lewis Capaldi, James Arthur, Nora Jones, and John Legend. She has also performed in NYC’s Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular with the Radio City Rockettes and regularly appears in Broadway’s Tony Award-winning hit, Hamilton. Katie holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, where she studied with Lucie Robert.