Maker of Violins, Violas and Cellos

"Long" Strad Model Violin Dedicated to Mother Teresa

       The Mother Teresa Violin was completed by Thurmond Knight in June, 2004, and is modeled after the "Long" Strads, of which there are approximately 52 extant. The instrument was sold in 2006 to Sallie Grossman of Craftsbury Common, Vermont.  In 2013 the violin was purchased by Shay Gestal, a classically trained violinist from Vermont, now a violin teacher and performing/recording artist.
      
     The violin is dedicated to the memory of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India.  Twenty percent of the proceeds from the first  sale of this violin went directly to the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa.  With vows of poverty and service to humanity, The Missionaries of Charity have dedicated themselves to caring for the poorest of the poor.  They run hospices and homes for people with AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis; soup kitchens; children's and family counseling programs; orphanages; and schools. Members of the order must adhere to the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, and the fourth vow, to give "Wholehearted and Free service to the poorest of the poor".
      
     Mother Teresa's work has been recognized and acclaimed throughout the world and she has received a number of awards and distinctions, including the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize (1971) and the Nehru Prize for her promotion of international peace and understanding (1972). She also received the Balzan Prize (1979) and the Templeton and Magsaysay awards.  In 1979 Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize.  She died on September 5, 1997.  In late 2003, she was Beatified, the third step toward possible Sainthood, giving her the title "Blessed Teresa of Calcutta."

	Shay Gestal during a street performance in Burlington, Vermont

Shay Gestal  performing with her band.

April, 2014            Hi Thurmond,        A very belated thank you for the appraisal of Mother Teresa! I got her insured immediately; what a relief--she truly is my most treasured possession.      We have been having a ton of fun lately, performing and recording all over the northeast, and I am growing more fond of her by the day, if that's even possible!  Still in search of the perfect bow to complete the trio, but I trust that will come at just the right time.      Thanks again for all you have done in reuniting me with what has turned out to be the joy of my life. Hope you are well, and I look forward to seeing you when you're in the area!                                                                             Shay Gestal