This 300-year-old Stradivarius violin is set to become the most expensive musical instrument ever sold at auction with an estimated price tag of between USD 12 million and USD 18 million.
The legendary ‘Joachim-Ma’ Stradivarius, crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1714, is set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s auction house.
Touted as “one of the most important musical instruments ever to appear at auction”, proceeds from the auction will reportedly benefit scholarships at the New England Conservatory in the United States.
The images were obtained from Sotheby’s New York on 4th December along with a statement saying: “At the crossroads of artistry, history, and philanthropy, Sotheby’s is privileged to offer the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius—an instrument of extraordinary historical significance—in a one-of-a-kind auction during Masters Week in New York this February.
“Crafted in 1714 by Antonio Stradivari during his renowned ‘Golden Period’, this important violin is being offered by the New England Conservatory (NEC), with all proceeds dedicated to student scholarships.”
The auction house said that the unique piece could fetch between USD 12 million and USD 18 million (GBP 9.4 million and GBP 14.1 million), saying: “With an estimated value of USD 12–18 million, this sale offers a rare opportunity to acquire one of the world’s finest violins—while directly supporting the next generation of musicians.
“The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius, with its timeless beauty and extraordinary legacy, not only transcends its storied past but also creates a living link to history, inspiring the future of classical music.”
They said that the violin was the embodiment of over 300 years of musical history.
Sotheby’s added: “While the instrument’s rich golden-brown varnish enhances its visual allure, it is the violin’s remarkable overall preservation that truly stands out—a testament to the care and reverence it has received over the centuries, ensuring its historical and musical legacy endures.
“What sets the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius apart is its exceptional sound—rich, complex, and full of depth. The tone is both sweet and rounded, with a richness that seems to grow with each note.”
They said that before it was gifted to New England Conservatory, where it inspired students, it belonged to the late Si-Hon Ma, “a violinist and pedagogue who graduated with an Artist Diploma from NEC in the 1950s.”
Before Ma, the auction house said that the unique violin had been owned by Joseph Joachim, “one of the most influential violinists of the 19th century, whose collaborations with composers like Johannes Brahms shaped the course of classical music.”
Sotheby’s said: “Joachim almost certainly performed on this very instrument during the 1879 premiere of Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77, with the composer himself conducting.”
Stradivari’s instruments, which are highly sought-after for their unparalleled craftsmanship, are among the most expensive in the world, with prices often reaching into the millions.
The auction house said that ahead of its sale at Sotheby’s New York in February, the violin will go on view at Sotheby’s London and Hong Kong.
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Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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