World’s Most Valuable 300-Year-Old Violin Returns to the Stage

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One of the world’s most valuable violins, crafted nearly three centuries ago, is set to be heard again in front of a live audience. Known as the Carrodus, the instrument was built in 1743 by master luthier Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù in Cremona, Italy. With only around 150 of his violins surviving today, its return to performance marks a rare moment for both musicians and audiences.

Photo Credit: The Irish Independent

From Collector’s Treasure to Performer’s Tool

Valued at $20 million, the violin was recently acquired by the Stretton Society, a philanthropic group dedicated to ensuring rare instruments are not locked away in private collections but placed in the hands of world-class performers. This approach reflects a growing effort in classical music to treat historic instruments as living voices rather than artifacts.

A Debut Performance

The Carrodus will be heard publicly for the first time since its acquisition in a performance featuring South Korean violinist Inmo Yang. Alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Yang will present a program that includes Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy, a virtuosic showcase designed to test the full expressive power of both performer and instrument.

Photo Credit: John MACDOUGALL

Preserving a Living Legacy

Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù is considered one of history’s greatest violin makers, often mentioned alongside Antonio Stradivari. While Stradivari’s instruments were frequently crafted for nobility and the church, Guarneri’s creations were designed for the concert stage, celebrated for their depth and resonance. The Carrodus embodies this legacy, its return to performance continuing a centuries-long dialogue between maker, musician, and audience.

A Moment for Music History

For listeners, the performance is more than just another concert program. It is the rare chance to hear a 300-year-old violin—once held by the legendary Niccolò Paganini—brought to life in the present day, proving that the sound of the past can still captivate modern audiences.

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