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VIDEO: Quint plays the “Vieuxtemps, Stoutzker” del Gesù
Dear Musicians,
The first half of 2010 has shown a great resurgence of interest in and acquisition of great antique stringed instruments both domestically and internationally. A new record purchase price for Guarneri del Gesù violins was recorded with the January sale of the “Kochanski” Guarneri del Gesù, formerly owned by Aaron Rosand for forty years, for $10,250,000 according to The New York Times. This violin and the “General Kyd, Perlman” of 1714 were sold to a Russian collector in the same week
We can confirm that trend with the number of sales inquiries increasing dramatically over the last quarter, a renewed interest from Russian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese collectors, and a dramatic increase in the acquisition of instruments from Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù to Guadagnini and Gagliano. Major sales in January included three Stradivaris and one Guarneri del Gesù.
We have also observed that many investors and entrepreneurs are now recognizing that antique violins are a great investment alternative and some are acquiring instruments as an almost purely investment vehicle. We have also had inquiries from the Chinese government looking to purchase better quality instruments for their top orchestras.
The “Vieuxtemps, Stoutzker” Guarneri del Gesù of 1741
As readers of our latest magazine know, we have been able to offer for acquisition the instrument that I see as the greatest of all rare violins: the “Vieuxtemps, Stoutzker” Guarneri del Gesù, Cremona, 1741. This extraordinary violin was played by Joshua Bell when he appeared with the Chicago Symphony (CSO) in October. His performance was brilliant and many veteran concertgoers commented on the exquisite tonal qualities of the “Vieuxtemps, Stoutzker.” Since Bell's CSO performance we have had a steady stream of interest in the “Vieuxtemps, Stoutzker” from local, national, and international media which include interviews and performances: Science magazine, the Chicago Tribune, Daily Telegraph (London), guardian.co.uk (London), Radio New Zealand, WFMT–FM, WBEZ–FM (Chicago Public Radio), WBBM–TV Chicago, AFP–TV (France), and WTTW–TV's “Chicago Tonight.” Our special thanks go to Philippe Quint and Sang Mee Lee for their participation in the interviews and for their outstanding performances on this exquisite violin. For more about the “Vieuxtemps, Stoutzker,” Click Here.
We have recorded video of a number of artists playing the “Vieuxtemps, Stoutzker” of 1741 including Joshua Bell, Vadim Gluzman, Vadim Repin, Philippe Quint, Kristóf Barati, Chuanyun Li, and Caroline Goulding. We are hoping to make these wonderful performances as well as information about the “Vieuxtemps, Stoutzker” into a special documentary. Violinists, music lovers, and the general public will enjoy comparing the range of performance styles on the “Mona Lisa” of violins. Most people will never be able to experience the “Vieuxtemps, Stoutzker” otherwise. We hope to expand knowledge of this greatest of all antique violins not only as an instrument but also as a great work of art that makes a profound impression on a spiritual level as well.
Pinnacle Magazine on Investing in Rare, Antique Instruments
The flagship publication of Rolls Royce in Asia, Pinnacle, recently featured an article on the merits of investing in antique instruments by Gary Bowerman: “What price history? At a time of global banking and stock market volatility, the search for alternative investment vehicles is intensifying. With funds and futures rapidly losing their lustre, savvy investors are turning to collectible pieces of the past.... Another historic option has also been music to the ears of discerning investors: Antique instruments like violins and cellos. To be sure the link between antique craftsmanship and future investment returns has never sounded so alluring.” I’m very proud that the Society is highlighted in the article as one of the world’s leading rare instrument loan programs: “The Chicago based Stradivari Society is a private organisation that purchases rare violins and loans them to up-and-coming young musicians. Its founders Mary Galvin and Geoffrey Fushi have long been familiar with Asian investors. Fushi himself later became an official advisor to the Chinese [National] Symphony Orchestra.”
The Stradivari Society® News
The Society is also enjoying a strong resurgence of interest. I am delighted to announce our new patrons from Germany, Daniel and Angelique, who are loaning the magnificent “Wahl” Pietro Guarneri, Venice, 1735 violin to Sandy Cameron, and our new patron in South Carolina, Dr. Charles King, loaning a superb violin by Alessandro Gagliano, Naples, c. 1706 and an excellent Pierre Simon bow to Elena Urioste.
Two of our Stradivari Society recipients had Grammy-nominated recordings this year: Caroline Goulding’s self-titled debut CD (Telarc) and Philippe Quint performing Korngold’s Violin Concerto with the Orquesta Sinfoníca de Minería conducted by Carlos Miguel Prieto (Naxos). Quint plays the “Kiesewetter” Stradivari thanks to the generosity of Society patrons Karen and Clement Arrison.
Randall Goosby recently won first prize in the Sphinx Competition's junior division playing a Maggini violin on loan from the Society. Goosby studies with Philippe Quint.
For more news about Society recipients and patrons, please take a look at our latest magazine.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Stradivari Society patron, please visit the investment section on our website to learn more or contact me at 312-663-0150. We have many top level instruments available as can be seen in our latest magazine and on this website.
With the stock market and real estate investments struggling and interest rates at an historic low point, this is the perfect time to invest in a great, antique Italian instrument or French bow. Our expert sales staff—Gabriel Ben-Dashan, Alec Fushi, and Joe Bein—is ready to help you find the perfect instrument or bow, whether at our headquarters in Chicago or around the world, for your collection or, for professional musicians and students, the ideal partner to enhance your artistry.
We wish you a productive and enjoyable spring and summer!
Musically Yours,
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