A rare Stradivarius violin from Antonio Stradivari’s illustrious “golden period” has been sold at auction in New York for an impressive $11.3 million, making it the third most expensive musical instrument ever auctioned.

The sale was conducted by Sotheby’s, which hailed the instrument as a masterpiece of craftsmanship and musical history.

The violin, known as the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius, is renowned for its unparalleled tonal qualities—described as rich, complex, and deeply resonant. It was crafted in 1714, a time widely regarded as the peak of Stradivari’s artistry.

The instrument’s name reflects its distinguished provenance, having belonged to celebrated violinists Joseph Joachim and later Si-Hon Ma.

Joseph Joachim, a prominent 19th-century violinist, was famous for his collaborations with composers such as Johannes Brahms. More recently, the violin was owned by Si-Hon Ma, a violinist and pedagogue, who donated it to the New England Conservatory (NEC) in Boston. Ma stipulated that the instrument be sold to fund scholarships for future musicians—a wish that has now been fulfilled with this record-breaking sale.

The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius now holds the third-highest auction price for a musical instrument, with the record still belonging to another Stradivarius, the Lady Blunt, which was sold in 2011 for an astonishing $15.9 million.

Mari-Claudia Jimenez, President of Sotheby’s Americas, emphasised the significance of the sale, stating, “A fantastic result for an extraordinary violin. The proceeds from the sale of the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius will be the source of the largest student scholarship fund in the history of the New England Conservatory and will nuture and develop future musicians.”

Antonio Stradivari’s violins continue to set the standard for excellence in string instruments, nearly 300 years after they were crafted. Their unique tonal properties, expert craftsmanship, and historic value make them some of the most sought-after musical instruments in the world.

With this latest sale, the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius not only cements its place in history but also ensures that its legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians, thanks to the scholarships funded by its proceeds.