Stradivarius Violin Fetches $11 Million, Establishing Largest Scholarship Fund for Boston Music School

# Historic Sale of Stradivarius Violin Funds Largest Scholarship at New England Conservatory

Would you relinquish a priceless family heirloom to aid future generations? The New England Conservatory (NEC) confronted this weighty dilemma and discovered its resolution in an extraordinary manner—by auctioning a rare and historic Stradivarius violin to finance scholarships for its students. The sale of the **Joachim-Ma Stradivarius** yielded $11 million, marking the second-highest price ever paid for a musical instrument.

## A Stradivarius from the Golden Era

Antonio Stradivari, the renowned Italian luthier, fashioned the Joachim-Ma violin in **1714**, during experts’ definition of his “**golden era**” (1700–1720). Stradivari is lauded for transforming violin design, attaining a remarkable balance of strength, acoustics, and aesthetics that remains unparalleled. His violins are highly sought after for their exceptional sound quality, with many deeming them the finest crafted.

The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius bears special historical significance, as it was previously in the possession of two distinguished musicians: **Joseph Joachim** and **Si-Hon Ma**.

## A Violin with an Enriching History

### Joseph Joachim: The Virtuoso Who Moved Brahms

Joseph Joachim (1831–1907) was a Hungarian violinist and composer, widely considered one of the greatest violinists in history. He was a close associate of **Johannes Brahms**, who allegedly wrote the renowned *Violin Concerto in D Major* especially for Joachim and his **Stradivarius**. Joachim’s profound connection to the violin community established him as a pivotal figure in safeguarding and transmitting the traditions of classical music.

### Si-Hon Ma: The Innovator Who Maintained the Instrument

Subsequently, the violin was acquired by **Si-Hon Ma (1925–2009)**, a Chinese-American violinist and composer. An alumnus of the **New England Conservatory (NEC) in 1950**, he was also known for creating the “Sihon mute,” a device that modifies the tonal quality of string instruments. Using earnings from his invention, Ma obtained the **Joachim-Ma Stradivarius**, adding a new dimension to the instrument’s narrative. Unlike numerous collectors, Ma emphasized ensuring the violin remained with musicians. Upon his death, he **gifted the instrument to his alma mater, the NEC**, securing its legacy within the institution.

## Auctioning the Invaluable Violin

In spite of its rich historical and musical importance, NEC opted to place the Joachim-Ma **Stradivarius up for auction** via **Sotheby’s New York**. Projections anticipated a selling price ranging from **$12 million to $18 million**, designating it as one of the most valuable violins ever put on the market.

Although the ultimate bid settled slightly below projections at **$11.3 million**, this sale still constitutes the **second-most expensive musical instrument in history**—just behind the **”Lady Blunt” Stradivarius**, which fetched **$15.9 million** in 2011.

## How the Proceeds Will Support Future Musicians

Rather than being confined to a display case, the proceeds from the violin’s auction will exert a **transformative influence** on aspiring musicians. **Andrea Kalyn, President of NEC**, characterized the sale as a **“historic investment in future generations.”** With the funds, NEC has established the **largest named endowed scholarship in the school’s history**, guaranteeing that students for many years ahead will reap the benefits of enhanced access to world-class music education.

## The Enduring Legacy of Stradivarius Instruments

The sale of the Joachim-Ma violin underscores once again the role that **Stradivari’s instruments** have played in the evolution of classical music. Their **unmatched craftsmanship, illustrious ownership, and multi-million-dollar valuation** transform them into more than mere musical artifacts—they represent historical milestones. The NEC’s courageous choice to part with this unique treasure ensures that its influence persists, not just in concert venues, but in the lives of the students who will advance classical music into the future.

—

### Other Record-Breaking Instrument Sales

1. **“Lady Blunt” Stradivarius (1721) – $15.9 million (2011)**
– Sold for charitable purposes after Japan’s earthquake and tsunami.
2. **“Joachim-Ma” Stradivarius (1714) – $11.3 million (2024)**
– Now holds the second-highest record for a musical instrument sale.
3. **Guarneri del Gesù “Vieuxtemps” (1741) – Estimated $16 million (Private sale, 2012)**
– The only violin lent for life to a musician instead of being retained in a collection.

As