A Stradivarius violin, made over 300 years ago by the legendary luthier Antonio Stradivari, sold for $11.3 million at an auction held by Sotheby’s in New York City. The instrument, crafted in 1714 in Cremona, Italy, is famous for having been played by Joseph Joachim, one of the most renowned violinists of the 19th century. The violin was later acquired by Si-Hon Ma in 1967.
After Ma’s death, his estate donated the violin to the New England Conservatory, where it has been for the last decade. Proceeds from the sale will support a scholarship program at the New England Conservatory. Andrea Kalyn, the Conservatory’s president, expressed enthusiasm about the impact of the sale.
“The sale is transformational for future students, and proceeds will establish the largest named endowed scholarship at New England Conservatory,” Kalyn stated. The auction, conducted by Phyllis Kao, began with an opening bid of $8 million.
Stradivarius violin auction highlights
Bidding escalated to $10 million before concluding at a final price of $11.3 million, which includes auction house fees. Sotheby’s declined to disclose the identity of the buyer. While the violin’s sale price is substantial, it fell short of the auction house’s expectations of $12 to $18 million.
The record for the highest price ever paid for a musical instrument at auction is still held by another Stradivarius violin made in 1721, which sold for $15.9 million in 2011. The “Joachim-Ma Stradivarius” is celebrated for its unparalleled sound and storied provenance. Apart from its exceptional craftsmanship, the violin was also played during the premiere of Johannes Brahms’ “Violin Concerto in D Major” in 1879.
Violinist Stefan Jackiw showcased the 1714 Joachim-Ma Stradivarius during an event in New York prior to the auction. The instrument represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and classical music history, captivating collectors and musicians alike.
