Boston Music School Received $11 Million In Scholarship Funds After Stradivarius Violin Auction
In a profound demonstration of dedication to the arts and its students, the New England Conservatory (NEC) has made a significant sacrifice by parting with a musical treasure of historical and artistic significance. The institution has chosen to sell one of the world’s most revered violins to fund scholarships that will support future generations of musicians.
The instrument in question, the Joachin-Ma Stradivarius, is a masterpiece crafted in 1714 by the legendary Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari. Considered one of the finest violins ever created, its sound and craftsmanship are unparalleled. The violin’s extraordinary provenance only adds to its mystique, as it has been in the hands of some of history’s greatest musicians.
The violin derives its name from two of its most distinguished owners. Joseph Joachim, a Hungarian virtuoso who lived between 1831 and 1907, was one of the most influential violinists of his time. His technical prowess and expressive playing left an indelible mark on classical music.
The second namesake, Si-Hon Ma, was a Chinese-American violinist and immigrant who received his degree from the New England Conservatory in 1950. After a lifetime of performing and teaching, Ma generously gifted the violin to his alma mater before his passing in the early 21st century.
This exceptional instrument, believed to have played a key role in musical history, is strongly associated with one of the most iconic violin concertos ever composed.
“Brahms wrote the Violin Concerto [D Major] specifically for this violin, and it was debuted on this violin in the mid-1800s,” explained Mari-Claudia Jiménez, president of Sotheby’s, in an interview with CBS Boston shortly before the auction.
Given its historical importance and the prestige of the Stradivarius name, expectations were high when the violin went up for auction at Sotheby’s in New York. Experts estimated it would sell for anywhere between $12 and $18 million, a valuation reflecting both its craftsmanship and its legendary provenance.
The final sale, however, fell slightly below estimates, with the violin fetching $11.3 million—still an impressive figure but falling short of the world record for a musical instrument sale, which stands at $15.9 million.
Despite the lower-than-anticipated sale price, the proceeds from the auction will have a lasting impact on the students of the New England Conservatory.
“The sale is transformational for future students, and proceeds will establish the largest named endowed scholarship at New England Conservatory,” said Andrea Kalyn, president of NEC.
“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,” she added.
This decision underscores NEC’s commitment to its mission—prioritizing the education and growth of young musicians over the possession of even the most prized artifacts. While the violin will now belong to a new custodian, its influence will continue to resonate in both the hands of future artists and through the students who will benefit from the scholarship it has made possible.
The sale marks a new chapter in the instrument’s storied history, ensuring that its legacy, much like its music, endures for generations to come.
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