Is there anything more captivating than the sound of music? Perhaps the sound of millions, as it echoes down a melodious path toward the 300-year-old Stradivarius violin. Set to fetch a record-breaking $18 million at auction, the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius, a rare masterpiece crafted by the legendary Antonio Stradivari in 1714, was once owned by Hungarian violinist Joseph Joachim in the 19th century. The enchantment of its strings was first unleashed during Joachim’s iconic performance of Johannes Brahms’ self-conducted Violin Concerto in 1879, a moment that immortalized the instrument and earned it the name “Joachim-Ma Stradivarius.”
This extraordinary violin will be up for auction at Sotheby’s New York on February 7, with an estimated price range of $12 to $18 million. Should it sell within this estimate, it will set a new record, surpassing the Lady Blunt Stradivarius, which sold for $15.9 million in 2011, thus becoming the most expensive musical instrument ever sold. One might expect such a delicate, centuries-old instrument to be confined to a glass case, too fragile to be touched or played. Yet, “This violin can be played tomorrow and enjoyed not just as a stunning work of art, but as a fully functional and highly coveted instrument,” said Mari-Claudia Jimenez, Chairman and Head of Global Business Development at Sotheby’s.
After Joachim’s legendary performance, the violin found its way into the hands of violinist and educator Si-Hon Ma, who cherished it until his death in 2009. Following his passing, Ma’s family donated the instrument to his alma mater, the esteemed New England Conservatory, the first independent music conservatory in the United States. In line with Ma’s wishes, all proceeds from the sale will benefit student scholarships, ensuring that future generations of musicians will have the opportunity to pursue their passion.
Before it heads to the auction block in New York, the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius will be on display for public viewing at Sotheby’s locations in London and Hong Kong, offering a rare chance to experience firsthand the legacy of one of the world’s most revered instruments.
