A 311-year-old Stradivarius violin achieved a sale price of $11 million at a highly publicized auction held by Sotheby’s in New York. Enthusiasts, collectors, and investors alike showed immense interest in the so-called Joachim-Ma Stradivarius, which was crafted in 1714 by the renowned Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari. This exquisite instrument, long associated with the great 19th-century violinist Joseph Joachim, was sold by the New England Conservatory to provide scholarship support for aspiring musicians.

Originally anticipated to fetch between $12 million and $18 million, the violin ultimately fell short of setting a new record, which currently stands at $15.9 million for the "Lady Blunt" Stradivarius, sold in 2011. The bidding at Sotheby’s began at $8 million and quickly escalated before the final bid was accepted at $10 million, with auction fees bringing it to approximately $11 million. Andrea Kalyn, president of the conservatory, remarked, “Now we really have the chance to have it benefit so many more students — generations of students to come,” highlighting the impact of the sale on future musical talent.

This instrument, celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance, was previously owned by Si-Hon Ma, whose estate gifted the violin to the conservatory in 2015 with the understanding it could eventually be sold to fund educational scholarships. Sotheby’s noted that the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius is an important piece of music history, having influenced composers such as Johannes Brahms, and was notably played during the premier of Brahms’s violin concerto in 1879.

As the sale concluded, Joshua Bell, an acclaimed violinist, emphasized the unique sound quality of Stradivarius instruments, stating they offer “sound colors” that are distinctive and difficult to find in modern violins.

The proceeds from this sale will not only help maintain the legacy of classical music but also provide a financial boost for future generations of musicians, cementing its historical and educational impact on the field.