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, become 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 Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition and the Elevar Foundation.
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 recently 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 musical performances. Her work attracts both critical and professional praise, and reflects her adaptability as a soloist, chamber musician, studio violinist, and concertmaster.
Ms. Thomas has collaborated with many prominent orchestras, including the Mimesis Ensemble, North Carolina Symphony, New York Concert Artist Symphony Orchestra, New York City Master Chorale, Distinguished Concerts International New York, Youth Orchestra of the Americas, and the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional in Santo Domingo.
In addition to Katie’s orchestral experience, as soloist she has performed concertos by Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, and Vivaldi with orchestras in America.
Katie has most recently recorded on Sarah Jarosz’s Grammy winning album “World On The Ground”, Rosanne Cash’s album “She Remembers Everything”, and The O’Jays final album “The Last Word”. She has also performed with NYC’s Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular with the famous Rockettes. Katie earned both her Bachelor and Masters degrees at Manhattan School of Music.
A native of Texas, Haven is a small yet integral member of the team. A natural extrovert, she is always there to greet customers and make them feel loved and at home. She excels at showering customers with affection in search of endless petting and lots of happy tail-wagging. Giving customers her undivided attention can be exhausting, however, so in-between appointments, she can often be found in sunny spots having a nap.
