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Peter Paul Prier, master luthier and founder of Salt Lake City's Violin Making School of America, recently crafted a tonally matched string quartet commissioned by Bountiful's Doug Meredith.Four Utah Symphony musicians (David Park and Rebecca Moench on violin, Scott Lewis on viola and Matthew Johnson on cello) will debut the instruments in a Saturday concert that will include a Debussy composition.Park says he is playing the concert to celebrate Prier's 40 years in Utah. "He came to this country without much money," Park said. "He is so important in this community."As for Prier, the quartet of instruments adds to his joy of life. "I have nothing but fun," said Prier, adding that he estimates he spent 789 hours crafting what some are calling "the perfect quartet."Prier, a violinist, immigrated to Utah in 1960 after graduating from the Violin Making School, in Mittenwald, Germany. For a time, he played for the Utah Symphony and cared for the players' violins. After returning from U.S. military service, in 1965 he opened a violin shop and then in 1972 he established a school to teach the skill of instrument-making.
Prier String QuartetWhen » Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 p.m.Where » Salt Lake City Recital Hall, 320 E. 200 SouthTickets » Free