Rare $16M Stradivarius Stuns at Brussels Concert with Armenian Virtuoso
October 17, 2025
During the Brussels concert at Palais des Beaux-Arts, Khachatryan performed Brahms' Violin Concerto, demonstrating the instrument's ability to express complex emotion and natural beauty.
This performance emphasized the violin's capacity to reflect deep human emotion and the beauty of natural sound.
The violin, made circa 1724 by Antonio Stradivari in Cremona, is celebrated for its exceptional tonal range and historical significance, and is among the most highly valued from Stradivari's 'Golden Period' (1700-1720).
A rare and highly valuable 300-year-old Stradivarius violin, estimated at around $16 million, was showcased at a concert in Brussels performed by Armenian violinist Sergey Khachatryan with the Belgian National Orchestra.
Known as the 'Kiesewetter,' this particular Stradivarius has been played by renowned violinists like Augustin Hadelich and Maxim Vengerov, with Vengerov performing with it at the 1996 Grammy Awards.
The instrument's cultural importance was highlighted by a notable photograph featuring Maxim Vengerov, Sting, and Elton John next to it.
Khachatryan has been entrusted with the violin for the next 10 years by the Stretton Society, which loans out rare and valuable instruments, and he expressed joy in developing a relationship with this extraordinary instrument to showcase its sound and complexity.
The violin was recently acquired by a benefactor associated with the Stretton Society, which specializes in loaning exceptional instruments to talented musicians.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Devdiscourse • Oct 17, 2025
Stradivarius violin takes spotlight at Brussels concert
Devdiscourse • Oct 17, 2025
CORRECTED-Stradivarius violin takes spotlight at Brussels concert | Entertainment