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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 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 Stradivari Society® News 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,
Bein & Fushi ♦ 410 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60605 ♦ 312.663.0150 Fax 312.663.0873 ♦ Contact Us Shop Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm |