Stradivarius violin from 1714 could fetch highest price ever for musical instrument when it goes up for auction

A 1714 violin crafted by the legendary Antonio Stradivari, known as the "Joachim-Ma Stradivarius,” is set to break records at an upcoming auction at Sotheby’s in New York. The auction house has placed an estimated value of $12 million to $18 million on this exquisite instrument, which, if sold at the higher end, would surpass the $15.9 million fetched by the "Lady Blunt" Stradivarius in 2011, making it potentially the most expensive musical instrument ever sold.

Sotheby’s Americas president, Mari-Claudia Jimenez, highlighted the significance of the violin, noting that it was created during Stradivari's "Golden Period"—a time marked by advancements in his craftsmanship. Jimenez emphasized that this particular violin represents the pinnacle of Stradivari's work, further enhancing its appeal for collectors and music enthusiasts.

The "Joachim-Ma Stradivarius" boasts an impressive provenance, having been owned by renowned violinists Joseph Joachim and Si-Hon Ma. Joachim, a Hungarian virtuoso active in the late 19th to early 20th century, and Ma, a Chinese-born musician who moved to the U.S. in 1948, both left their marks on the instrument's legacy. Sotheby’s notes that Johannes Brahms was believed to have been inspired by this violin while composing his "Violin Concerto in D Major," which was premiered by Joachim in 1879.

In 1969, Si-Hon Ma acquired the violin, and following his passing in 2009, his estate bequeathed it to the New England Conservatory in Boston, where Ma studied. The conservatory is now auctioning the violin, with all proceeds earmarked to support student scholarships.

This auction not only presents a unique opportunity for collectors but also serves to honor the violin's rich history and its contribution to classical music, as it embarks on a new chapter that could redefine its financial and cultural value.