One of the most extraordinary instruments in musical history is hitting the auction block: the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius violin. It was crafted in 1714 during Antonio Stradivari’s “Golden Period,” and has exceptional sound due to its pristine condition.
This historic auction will take place during Sotheby’s Masters Week in February 2024, with all proceeds funding scholarships at the New England Conservatory (NEC). The instrument is estimated to fetch between $12 and $18 million.
The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius once belonged to two legendary musicians. Joseph Joachim, one of the 19th century’s most influential violinists, likely performed Brahms’ Violin Concerto’s 1879 premiere with this instrument, with Brahms himself conducting.
The violin’s most recent steward was Si-Hon Ma, an NEC alumnus and violin pedagogue, who donated it to the Conservatory. It has since inspired countless students while also serving as a testament to its unparalleled craftsmanship.
Stradivari’s violins from his “Golden Period” are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled sound quality, and the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius is no exception. It has a rich, resonant tone and golden-brown varnish that have been meticulously preserved for three centuries.
“This sale will be transformational for our students,” Andrea Kalyn, President of the New England Conservatory, commented. “It fulfills our responsibility to ensure a violin of this caliber is properly maintained and used as the concert instrument it was meant to be. We thank Sotheby’s for their partnership and are eager to follow this Stradivari violin’s journey on the world stage.”
Ahead of the February auction, the violin will be exhibited in London and Hong Kong, with details to be announced at a later date. This sale marks the first time in nearly a century that the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius has been offered at auction, and proceeds will directly benefit NEC’s mission to cultivate the next generation of exceptional musicians.
