The Greeley Historic Preservation Commission invites the community to a free history presentation at the Greeley History Museum, 714 8th St., on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at noon.
Aaron Zimola, a Greeley local and expert on George W. Fisk, will present “The Story of the Stradivarius of the West.” This presentation will include a historical talk and a violin performance.
The story follows the life of George Fisk, one of the most renowned violin makers of the late 19th century. Many admired his violins, including Ede Remenyi, Franz Liszt, Elbert Hubbard and Colorado Governor Benjamin Eaton. Aaron will talk about Fisk’s life and the people around him. He and accompanist Peter Romero will also play popular American and European music.
Aaron will use three different violins to show the differences in their quality, craftsmanship and sound. He will play a German-made 1906 violin, a 1878 Fisk violin (before Fisk had a proper violin pattern) and a 1908 Fisk violin once owned by Governor Eaton.
The presentation is open to everyone and no reservations are needed. For more information, contact Betsy Kellums in the Historic Preservation Office at betsy.kellums@greeleygov.com, or call 970.350.9222.
Meet the Performers
Aaron Zimola is a native of Greeley and is the last living published Fisk researcher. Aaron worked for 12 years on historic preservation with the late Peggy Ford-Waldo and is determined to carry on the research that she started.
Peter Romero holds a degree in music theory and composition from the University of Northern Colorado. His compositions have been performed by Ars Nova Singers, Boulder; Vittoria Ensemble, Denver; Greeley Chorale and Greeley Children’s Chorale, as well as several schools in Weld County School District 6. He has composed commissioned works for Frontier Academy Elementary, Chappelow Arts Magnet School and the Greeley Children’s Chorale. Peter is also an accompanist for the Greeley Children’s Chorale and has performed with them in locations across the U.S. and Canada, including Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco, Boston and Washington D.C. He has performed with the UNC choirs and the Greeley Chamber Choir, and he accompanies at two Greeley churches.
