The Anād Foundation

Stradivari (model) Violin for Maharaj Thakur Singh
I had heard violin playing legends of Maharaj Thakur Singh but then he had not a single playable violin available when I met him. The 1936 German made violin had been long lost and there were only two small clips of his playing ever recorded that were available in which he played after nearly 20 years. I wanted to hear play. His unique rules denied (a married) me the chance to buy a violin for him. So the deal was struck that I would make one for him. I called Paul Hart, a old friend of mine and who is one of the finest instrument makers of this era, an educator. He was pleasantly shocked when I laid siege in Utah for 9 days the very first winter after 911 attack on the WTC and handcrafted the violin body structure which was then finished and polished by Paul himself. But, was it good enough – my first violin, of course, it was not my first woodwork nor musical an instrument.

Paris Conservatory was my next stop where Paris Philharmonic Orchestra’s first soloist, Philipe, was requested by my cellist friend Dominique D’Williamcourt to test the violin. I recorded it when he played it during his class and he loved it. The daughter of legendary bow-maker Raffin also assessed the instrument. The maveric bow-maker gifted a bow made the 19th-20th century legend Charles Bazin to match the instrument. Another Parisian violinist Raphaelle also checked the instrument. This was all to make sure that what I was wanting to present the maestro living in anonymity was not presented a piece of junk.

I came, dressed the instrument royally assisted by Billy Ripjit Singh, a Kapurthala Princess, and presented the violin to Maharaj Thakur Singh. The sweet Mrs. Bhagwant Singh is seen with the instrument in one of the images.

The instrument was made with 100 years old wood stock. The way Maharaj Thakur Singh held the instrument, tuned it, the first touch of Charles Bazin’s handcrafted bow on the violin strings, his exclamation about the harmonics – I had it all!

Location: Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala, Punjab

Duration: Minimum 3 months, starting as soon as possible

Work hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-8pm.; ONE day off (either Sunday or a day during the work week) depending upon project activities

Position summary:

This position will be undertaken as part of the Anād Conservatory project in Sultanpur Lodhi, where the 12^th century fort of Qila Sarai is being surveyed with the purpose of facilitating its appropriate restoration in the near future.

A period of training for the restoration project of Qila Sarai could be a unique opportunity to participate in a large-scale architectural project aimed at combining tradition and innovation, associating conservation and restoration methods with modern technological approaches for designing rehabilitation and new facilities, integrated in a systemic and holistic vision from landscape to monument.

Responsibilities:

Collaboration in the survey campaign of the monuments inside the Qila. This includes preparation of eidotypes, measurements activities and graphical representation of results
Digital processing of the drawings: plans, elevations and sections, three-dimensional models and diagrams
Participation in the preliminary analysis and in the design phase
Support in the analysis at urban and territorial scale

Reporting Relationship: The apprentice will report directly to project architect(s) assigned to this project.

Qualifications:

Professional skills

Completed Masters degree in architecture
Basic knowledge of methodologies for the architectural survey
Excellence knowledge of architectural design, rendering and image processing software (AutoCAD 2D and 3D, Rhino or 3DS, Photoshop, Illustrator)
Basic knowledge of international standards for architectural representation
Good ability to sketch
Good knowledge of English
Good knowledge of Punjabi desirable

General skills

Seriousness, strong commitment and sense of responsibility at work
Deep willingness to learn and the attitude to grasp quickly theoretical data and operational methodologies
Punctuality and complete compliance with deadlines and assigned tasks
Ability to organize autonomously the fulfillment of the assigned tasks
Ability to work in teams and respect for colleagues
Respect for the workplace and the tools, instruments and materials
Ability to work under stress for prolonged periods without interruption

Compensation

This is an unpaid apprenticeship. However, accommodation will be provided for either with a local host family or in the Bebe Nanki Gurdwara Sarai in Sultanpur Lodhi. If the apprentice prefers another form of accommodation, he/she can choose to do so at his/her own expense. Meals will be provided for at the work site on working days only.

How to apply:

Please email the following documents to anadfoundation@gmail.com:

Resume/CV
Statement of intent (max. 200 words)
Three A4 size drawings (in pdf) of an architectural project you have worked on previously (including its plans, elevations, sections and ONE detail elaborated upon) along with a short written description of the project (max. 200 words).

You can also contact us on the same email for any queries related to the position. Select candidates will be contacted for an interview either at our site office in Sultanpur Lodhi or via Skype.