A great relationship began to develop at the 2003 I.H.S. in Bloomington, Indiana, between Steven W. Lewis (Orchestral Horns, Chicago, USA), and Dietmar Dürk (DürkHorns, Bingen-Dromersheim, Germany). The respect for each others’ work, family values, honest and ethical business practices, and humility, led to a strengthening of trust between the two master craftsmen. In 2004, the two men met again in Valencia Spain and found themselves, oddly enough, directly next to one other in the exhibit hall. Many discussions about horn-making ensued, and over full-bodied red wines the original concepts of a joint venture were celebrated.
In the fall of 2004 plans for Mr. Lewis to visit the DürkHorns shop were solidified for early Spring 2005. When March came, so did Mr. Lewis, and the growing friendship sprouted exciting ideas to finish a horn sharing each others’ most valuable secrets, techniques, and most importantly, their experiences. Scott H. Bacon (horn player, presently owner of Siegfried’s Call, previously sales and marketing specialist for DürkHorns) played an important role in bringing the two men together. Acting as a middle-man, he coordinated the many complications that naturally arise from working together across the Atlantic. Mr. Bacon added his own insight and intuition to the project.
A long-lasting friendship, mutual respect, and dedication to the art of horn-making, will continue to strengthen the Lewis & Dürk collaboration.
