Performances + Events
On Friday February 7, an exceedingly rare violin crafted in 1714 by Antonio Stradivari during his renowned “Golden Period” achieved $11.3M at Sotheby’s New York with the proceeds benefiting New England Conservatory, where the funds will be used to establish the largest named endowed scholarship in support of future generations of musicians. The result places the violin among the most valuable musical instruments ever sold at auction.
The live auction was preceded by a performance by New England Conservatory alum Geneva Lewis ’20, ’22 AD, who played Bach’s Largo for solo violin.
Prior to its sale at Sotheby’s New York, the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius toured Sotheby’s London and Hong Kong, drawing significant international interest from collectors, musicians, and art enthusiasts and highlighting global admiration for Stradivari’s unmatched craftsmanship.
This extraordinary violin represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and classical music history, its unparalleled sound and storied provenance captivating collectors and musicians alike. The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius garnered global attention, achieving one of the highest prices ever for a musical instrument—an acknowledgment of its rarity and historical importance. It has been a true privilege to be entrusted with this masterpiece of sound, and we are honored to have played a role in its remarkable journey.”
Mari-Claudia Jimenez
Sotheby’s Chairman, President, Americas, Global Business Development
A Violin of Exceptional Beauty and Sound
Crafted by the legendary Antonio Stradivari in 1714, the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius is an embodiment of over three centuries of musical history. Renowned for its extraordinary sound and exquisite beauty, the violin is part of Stradivari’s “Golden Period,” widely regarded as the height of his craftsmanship and acoustic mastery. The instrument’s rich golden-brown varnish enhances its visual allure, but it is the remarkable preservation of the violin that truly sets it apart — a testament to the care it has received over the centuries, ensuring its historical and musical legacy endures.
What makes the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius so extraordinary is its exceptional sound — rich, complex, and full of depth. The tone is both sweet and rounded, with a warmth and richness that seems to grow with each note. Beneath the surface lies a depth that gives it a unique character, offering a timeless, expressive quality to every phrase. Musicians of the highest caliber have sought out this violin for centuries, and it is no surprise that it has become known as one of the great playing violins, with a voice that is not only heard but also felt.
The sale is transformational for future students, and proceeds will establish the largest named endowed scholarship at New England Conservatory. It has been an honor to have the Joachim-Ma Stradivari on campus, and we are eager to watch its legacy continue on the world stage. We thank Sotheby’s for their partnership to make this named scholarship possible.”
Andrea Kalyn
President of New England Conservatory
A Violin with Legendary Provenance
The violin carries a legacy enriched by its distinguished owners. Before being gifted to New England Conservatory (NEC), where it inspired students, it belonged to the late Si-Hon Ma, a violinist and pedagogue who earned his artist diploma from NEC in the 1950s. Ma gave the violin to the Conservatory with the provision that it could one day be sold to support student scholarships.
Before Ma, the violin was owned by Joseph Joachim, one of the most influential violinists of the 19th century. Joachim, renowned for his collaborations with composers like Johannes Brahms, likely performed on the Stradivarius during the 1879 premiere of Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77, with Brahms himself conducting. The violin’s rich, resonant tone is believed to have deeply influenced Brahms as he composed this monumental work. Joachim’s impact on classical music extended beyond Brahms, particularly in his pivotal role in reviving Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas, and it is likely that this very violin played a part in that revival.
Antonio Stradivari’s instruments, prized for their unmatched craftsmanship, are among the most valuable in the world, with some fetching prices in the millions. Over 300 years, Stradivari’s violins have been cherished, played, and respected by nearly every major violinist, making his instruments some of the most coveted in the world. The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius is no exception — its unparalleled beauty and sound stand as a direct link to musical history and artistic greatness. As a concert instrument that belongs on the world stage, it requires meticulous preservation to maintain its iconic sound quality.
