NEW YORK, NY.- At the crossroads of artistry, history, and philanthropy, Sotheby’s will offer the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius—an instrument of extraordinary historical significance—in a one-of-a-kind auction during Masters Week in New York this February. Crafted in 1714 by Antonio Stradivari during his renowned “Golden Period,” this important violin is being offered by New England Conservatory (NEC), with all proceeds dedicated to student scholarships. With an estimated value of $12–18 million, this sale offers a rare opportunity to acquire one of the world’s finest violins—while directly supporting the next generation of musicians. The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius, with its timeless beauty and extraordinary legacy, not only transcends its storied past but also creates a living link to history, inspiring the future of classical music.

"Offered during Masters Week, the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius is a rare and extraordinary masterpiece, joining a select pantheon of historic treasures at Sotheby’s. Crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1714, this violin represents the pinnacle of artistic craftsmanship and a direct link to some of the most defining moments in classical music. We are privileged to present this unparalleled instrument, with all proceeds benefiting New England Conservatory, advancing its mission to nurture the next generation of exceptional musicians and preserve the enduring legacy of classical music." -- MARI-CLAUDIA JIMENEZ, SOTHEBY’S CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT, AMERICAS, GLOBAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

A VIOLIN OF EXCEPTIONAL BEAUTY AND SOUND

Crafted by the legendary Antonio Stradivari in 1714, the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius is an embodiment of over three centuries of musical history. Renowned for its extraordinary sound and exquisite beauty, the violin is part of Stradivari’s “Golden Period,” widely regarded as the height of his craftsmanship and acoustic mastery. While the instrument’s rich golden-brown varnish enhances its visual allure, it is the violin’s remarkable overall preservation that truly stands out—a testament to the care and reverence it has received over the centuries, ensuring its historical and musical legacy endures.

What sets the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius apart is its exceptional sound—rich, complex, and full of depth. The tone is both sweet and rounded, with a richness that seems to grow with each note. There’s a warmth to the sound, with an underlying depth that gives it a unique character, making it far from ordinary. The violin’s voice is not only heard but also felt, revealing subtle nuances and offering a timeless, expressive quality to every phrase. It is no wonder that it is known as one of the great playing violins, and for centuries musicians of the highest caliber have sought out the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius.

A VIOLIN WITH LEGENDARY PROVENANCE

The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius carries with it a legacy enriched by its owners and players. Before it was gifted to NEC, where it inspired students, it belonged to the late Si-Hon Ma, a violinist and pedagogue who graduated with an Artist Diploma from NEC in the 1950s. It was given to the school with the provision that it could one day be sold to provide student scholarships.

Before Ma, the violin was owned by Joseph Joachim, one of the most influential violinists of the 19th century, whose collaborations with composers like Johannes Brahms shaped the course of classical music. Joachim almost certainly performed on this very instrument during the 1879 premiere of Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77, with the composer himself conducting. The rich, resonant tone of the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius is believed to have deeply influenced Brahms as he composed this monumental work. Joachim’s legacy extends beyond his collaborations with Brahms, as he played a pivotal role in reviving Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas, and it is likely that this violin was part of that revival.

Antonio Stradivari’s instruments, prized for their unmatched craftsmanship, are among the most valuable in the world, with prices often reaching into the millions. Over 300 years, Stradivari’s violins have been cherished, played, and respected by nearly every major violinist, with his instruments continuing to be some of the most coveted in the world. These instruments require meticulous maintenance for preservation to maintain the unique sound quality of this concert instrument that belongs on the world stage. The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius stands as a rare gem—its unparalleled beauty and sound a direct link to musical history and artistic greatness.

"This extraordinary instrument was given to New England Conservatory with the provision that it could be sold to support student scholarships. After years of individual use by our students, now, we can establish the largest named student scholarship program in the history of NEC, honoring our mission to educate and train the next generation of musicians. While it has been a privilege to have one of the world’s finest violins, this sale will be transformational for our students. 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 we are eager to follow this Stradivari violin’s journey on the world stage." ---ANDREA KALYN, PRESIDENT OF NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY

A RARE OPPORTUNITY IN AN EXTRAORDINARY CONTEXT

Offered during Sotheby’s Masters Week, the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius will be presented alongside a carefully curated selection of Old Master paintings, drawings, and sculptures, placing it within a legacy of masterpieces that have shaped the history of both music and art.

Ahead of its sale at Sotheby’s New York in February, the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius will go on view at Sotheby’s London and Hong Kong. Further details about these exhibitions will be announced in due course.