The wood

Since the late 18th century, the finest violin, viola, cello, & bass bows have been made from Pernambuco wood. Also known as Brazilwood or Paubraliza echinata, it is highly prized by bowmakers and string players, because "its density makes it the ideal weight for the standard...bow," is "remarkably elastic," and "maintained with care, it will last for centuries" (Strings Magazine, 9/19/2022).

Endangered species

Sadly, this valuable resource is critically endangered, "with an estimated 93 percent of the original forest now gone" (Strings '22), due to massive deforestation. Fortunately, a wonderful organization now exists whose mission is to protect existing Pernambuco trees, plant thousands of new ones, and educate instrument makers, musicians, audiences, and the general public about the situation. It is called the International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative (IPCI), and has offices in Brazil, France, Canada, and the U.S.

Your purchases will help

It was in honor of this beautiful and musically relevant tree that the Pernambuco Chamber Ensemble, and then Pernambuco Publishing were named. But more than simply honoring the tree, both our ensemble and this publishing entity are now donating a portion of our proceeds to IPCI-USA. Recently, IPCI has joined forces with the International Alliance of Violin and Bow Makers for Endangered Species. All donations to IPCI-USA are made through the Alliance's website.

You can donate even more!

If you wish to make a separate donation to IPCI-USA, simply go to the https://www.alliance-usa.org and click on DONATE. Once you've indicated the amount you wish to donate, check the "Write us a comment" box and type in your request (e.g.: "Please earmark my donation for IPCI-USA."