A Stradivarius violin from 1714 sold at auction for $11.25 million, destined to fund scholarships for aspiring violinists. Although it fell short of the world record for a musical instrument, the sale represents a significant opportunity for future generations of performers. Previously gifted to the New England Conservatory, the violin once belonged to Hungarian violinist Joseph Joachim, a friend of Brahms. The conservatory president emphasized the importance of channeling the instrument's value into educational support for young musicians, highlighting a shift from preserving the violin to enhancing access to music education.
It's really about what's the most powerful use of the instrument. Now we really have the chance to have it benefit so many more students, generations of students to come.
A handful of students had enjoyed the privilege of playing the prized Joachim-Ma violin, but the school ultimately felt the time was right to sell.
The 311-year-old instrument, a masterpiece of sound, was once owned by the celebrated 19th-century Hungarian violinist Joseph Joachim and gifted to the conservatory.
Missing the world record for a musical instrument, the auction still secured a solid financial future for a new generation of performers.
Collection
[
|
...
]