Stradivarius violin sells for $11.3 million to benefit music scholarships
- A rare 1714 Stradivarius violin was auctioned at Sotheby's in New York with an estimated value of $12 million to $18 million.
- The violin, named Joachim-Ma, has ties to famous violinists Joseph Joachim and Si-Hon Ma, with the proceeds benefiting student scholarships.
- The sale's outcome demonstrates the continued high demand for historic instruments and their importance in supporting music education.
In New York on February 7, 2025, a rare violin crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1714, named the Joachim-Ma, was auctioned at Sotheby's. This exceptional violin is estimated to fetch between $12 million and $18 million but ultimately sold for $11.3 million. The proceeds from the sale will be used to establish the largest named endowed scholarship at the New England Conservatory in Boston, where the violin had been gifted by violinist Si-Hon Ma's estate after his passing in 2009. The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius is part of Stradivari’s celebrated Golden Period, representing the height of his violin-making craftsmanship. Historically, this violin has notable provenance as it was owned by Joseph Joachim, a prominent 19th-century violinist known for his interpretations of classical masterpieces, including those by renowned composers like Johannes Brahms. The connection between the violin and Brahms is especially significant, as it is believed that the composer was influenced by the instrument when he wrote his Violin Concerto in D Major, which premiered in 1879. Despite its rich legacy and remarkable sound quality, the final auction price fell short of its estimated value. Nevertheless, the amount raised is viewed as transformational for the conservatory, enabling the establishment of a scholarship program aimed at supporting aspiring musicians. Andrea Kalyn, the president of the New England Conservatory, emphasized the importance of the sale by highlighting its potential impact on future generations of musicians. With only about 600 Stradivarius violins remaining today, the demand for such historic instruments is high among collectors and musicians alike. The sale of the Joachim-Ma violin reaffirms the enduring legacy of Antonio Stradivari and his esteemed craftsmanship, while also facilitating educational opportunities for students in music. The event marks another significant chapter in the history of fine string instruments, with the residual funds ensuring that the legacy of music education continues at the conservatory.