A 311-year-old Stradivarius violin, once played by the celebrated 19th-century virtuoso Joseph Joachim, has been sold at Sotheby’s for $11.25 million.
The instrument, known as the “Joachim-Ma” Stradivarius, was crafted in 1714 by Antonio Stradivari, during his renowned Golden Period, a time when he produced some of his finest instruments.
The violin was sold by the New England Conservatory (NEC), which had received it as a gift in 2015 from the estate of Si-Hon Ma, a former NEC student and accomplished violinist. The proceeds of the sale will fund the largest named endowed scholarship in NEC’s history, supporting future generations of music students.
A Violin with a Remarkable History
The 1714 “Joachim-Ma” Stradivarius is a significant instrument, not only due to its craftsmanship but also because of its association with Joseph Joachim (1831–1907), one of the most influential violinists of the 19th century. Joachim, a close friend of Johannes Brahms, is believed to have used this violin when premiering Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D major in 1879. He was also instrumental in reviving Bach’s solo violin works, which have since become a cornerstone of the violin repertoire.
Following Joachim, the violin was acquired by Baron Johann Knoop (1846–1918), a German collector who amassed an extensive collection of Stradivarius and Guarneri instruments in the late 19th century.
In 1967, the instrument came into the possession of Si-Hon Ma (1933–2009), a Chinese violinist who had studied at NEC in the 1950s. After Ma’s passing, his family donated the violin to NEC with the provision that it could one day be sold to fund student scholarships.
An Historic Sale
The auction at Sotheby’s New York saw the violin attract significant interest. Initially estimated between $12 million and $18 million, bidding began at $8 million before reaching $10 million. With buyer’s fees included, the final price stood at $11.25 million.
Ahead of the auction, violinist VC Artist Geneva Lewis, an NEC graduate, performed the Largo from Bach’s Sonata No. 3 on the “Joachim-Ma” Stradivarius, providing a fitting tribute to the instrument’s legacy.
NEC President Andrea Kalyn described the sale as “a transformational opportunity” for the institution. “The scholarship will make it possible for many more students to come to NEC for generations to come,” she said. “Our musicians have an incredible impact in the world, both in the field of music and beyond, and this scholarship will support their education and future development.”
Over the past decade, NEC allowed four students to use the “Joachim-Ma” Stradivarius for periods of one to two years. While acknowledging the privilege of having such a rare instrument within the conservatory, NEC ultimately decided that selling it would benefit a greater number of students.
The Legacy of Stradivari
Antonio Stradivari (1644–1737) is considered the greatest violin maker in history, with fewer than 650 of his instruments surviving today. His Golden Period (1700–1725) produced some of the finest violins ever made, highly prized for their remarkable tonal quality and craftsmanship.
Stradivarius violins have long commanded record-breaking prices at auction. The most expensive publicly sold violin remains the “Lady Blunt” Stradivarius, which was once owned by the granddaughter of Lord Byron. It fetched $15.9 million at auction in 2011. Some privately sold Stradivarius violins have been known to exceed $20 million.
While many of these instruments are held in private collections or museums, others are actively played by the world’s leading violinists. Organisations such as the Nippon Music Foundation and the Stradivari Society acquire and loan these rare instruments to distinguished musicians.
A Lasting Impact
The sale of the “Joachim-Ma” Stradivarius marks a significant moment in the world of fine musical instruments. As Stradivari’s violins continue to hold their value and prestige, this instrument will remain a coveted piece of musical history, whether in the hands of a musician or as part of an esteemed collection.
For NEC, the decision to part with the violin ensures that its legacy will live on—not only through its craftsmanship and sound but also in the opportunities it will provide to future generations of musicians.
