Biography

Michael Wong, the owner of IL Violino Cremona LLC, was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Michael’s love of music and passion for the violin began at 4 when he started listening to classical music. He started his violin research at 11, traveling to many violin shops, trying hundreds of instruments, and studying what instruments in the U.S., Asia, and Europe market offer. The research includes the makers’ brand, how the string instruments should be set up, how it affects the sound, and the value of each string instrument.

He continued to pursue his passion by joining the firm of IL Violino Magico, Japan during his college years learning more about fine Italian instruments and luthier work. Owning a violin shop was a dream and somehow Michael ended up with his degrees for Bachelor’s in accounting and a Master’s in finance. After working years at a CPA firm and the Department of Taxation, he realized that making his dream into reality is possible.

Michael has connected with numerous famous world-class musicians such as Maxim Vengerov, Ivry Gitlis, Fumiaki Miura, Ilya Gringolts, Mayu Kishima, Tsugio Tokunaga, Chisako Takashima, Eric Silberger, Seiji Okamoto, Arnaud Sussmann, concert masters from top symphonies in Japan and more. The most memorable time for Michael was back in 2016 when he spoke to Maxim Vengerov during Wieniawski Violin Competition. Maxim wanted to know when Michael will open a shop in Honolulu, Hawaii so that he can perform with the Symphony in Hawaii, visit Michael’s shop, and of course, explore the beautiful islands during his stay. Maxim knew with Michael’s love and passion for string instruments and classical music could give a strong impact and growth on Hawaii’s string community.

Before the opening of a physical shop in 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Michael held in his own hands and played many violins by Antonio Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesu, G.B. Guadagnini, etc. which were worth millions of dollars. He was very inspired by the beauty and sound of these fine instruments.

To date, Michael is very passionate to share his selections of string instruments with musicians in Hawaii after decades of research in the world market finding instruments that have similar characteristics to fine Italian instruments by Stradivari, Guarneri, Guadagnini, etc. He loves to share his wisdom with students and parents on how to select instruments. With his big network of violin makers, bows, cases, accessories, etc. for violins, violas, and cellos, he wants to make a more positive learning environment for musicians.