A remarkable Stradivarius violin, crafted in 1714 during Antonio Stradivari's prime, has been sold at a Sotheby's auction in New York for an astounding $11.3 million. This sale marks one of the highest prices ever paid for a musical instrument.
Known as the "Joachim-Ma Stradivarius," the violin is named after two of its prominent owners: 19th-century Hungarian virtuoso Joseph Joachim and Chinese musician Si-Hon Ma, whose estate donated the instrument to the New England Conservatory in Boston after his passing in 2009.
Sotheby's described the violin as a pinnacle of Stradivari's craftsmanship, created during his "golden period" when his mastery of acoustics was at its zenith. Mari-Claudia Jimenez, chair at Sotheby’s, emphasized the violin's unique blend of artistry and historical significance, attracting both collectors and musicians worldwide.
Violinist Stefan Jackiw plays the 1714 Joachim-Ma Stradivarius. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)
The New England Conservatory plans to use the proceeds to establish a significant student music scholarship fund. Andrea Kalyn, president of the Conservatory, expressed the institution's honor in housing the violin and its excitement to see its legacy continue.
Violinist Stefan Jackiw holds the 1714 Joachim-Ma Stradivarius. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)
While Sotheby’s had initially estimated the violin could fetch up to $18 million, breaking the record held by the "Lady Blunt" Stradivarius (sold for $15.9 million in 2011), the final price, including fees, reached $11.3 million after a brisk bidding process.
The violin was crafted during Stradivari's peak. (Getty)
Adding to its historical weight, the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius was played at the premiere of Johannes Brahms' "Violin Concerto in D Major" in 1879.
