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The long-running satellite fairs—which champion experimental, emerging and artist-run spaces—abound with adventurous works, tactile materials and body parts

BY MARK ANDERSON

A rare and historic Stradivarius violin, crafted in 1714 during Antonio Stradivari’s celebrated “Golden Period,” has been sold for an astonishing $11.25 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. The sale, while falling short of the world record for a musical instrument, marks a monumental event in both the art and music worlds, ensuring a lasting legacy for aspiring violinists.

The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius, named after its former owners—the esteemed 19th-century Hungarian violinist Joseph Joachim and the late violinist Si-Hon Ma—was offered by the New England Conservatory (NEC) to fund an unprecedented scholarship program for young musicians. Despite predictions that the violin might break the $15.9 million auction record set by the Lady Blunt Stradivarius in 2011, its final bid still cements its place among the most valuable instruments ever sold.

Described as a “masterpiece of sound,” the 311-year-old instrument is renowned for its unparalleled tonal quality, inspiring musicians and composers alike. Joachim, a close confidant of Johannes Brahms, played a pivotal role in the premier of Brahms’s Violin Concerto in D Major, an event that remains one of classical music’s defining moments. Many experts believe Brahms may have even composed the piece with this very Stradivarius in mind.

The violin’s pristine condition, rich golden-brown varnish, and exceptional acoustic properties have made it a coveted treasure among collectors and virtuosos. Before the auction, the instrument was played by NEC graduate Geneva Lewis, who performed Bach’s Sonata No. 3 in a poignant tribute to its legacy.

The proceeds from the sale will establish a permanent endowment at NEC, creating the largest named scholarship program in the conservatory’s history. The institution, which received the violin as a gift from alumnus Si-Hon Ma, saw the sale as an opportunity to benefit countless students for generations to come.

Andrea Kalyn, President of NEC, emphasized the transformational impact of the sale: “This is about more than one violin. It’s about opening doors for young musicians, ensuring they have the support to pursue their dreams.”

The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius headlined Sotheby’s prestigious Masters Week, a marquee event featuring rare Old Master paintings, sculptures, and drawings. Ahead of the sale, the violin embarked on an international exhibition tour, captivating audiences in London and Hong Kong, further cementing its status as a global cultural icon.

While its new owner remains undisclosed, the violin’s next chapter is sure to be one of continued reverence and musical brilliance. Whether played on the grandest concert stages or preserved in a private collection, the legendary Joachim-Ma Stradivarius will continue to inspire, its melodies echoing through time.

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