Berlin Principal Violist Plays World’s Most Expensive Instrument
Amihai Grosz, principal violist of the Berlin Philharmonic, has spent the past six months playing the 'Macdonald' Stradivari viola, an instrument valued at approximately $30 million. Grosz described the experience as a long-held fantasy, noting that the instrument opened a 'door to a completely new sound' characterized by elegance and magic. The article highlights the role of wealthy matchmakers in facilitating access to such rare and valuable instruments for top-tier musicians.
Key points
- Amihai Grosz, an Israeli native and principal violist of the Berlin Philharmonic, has been playing the 'Macdonald' Stradivari viola for about six months.
- The instrument is valued at approximately $30 million and is considered one of the world's most valuable musical instruments.
- Grosz stated that playing the viola was a 'fantasy' he never imagined would become reality, having played the instrument since age five.
- The violist described the sound of the Macdonald as 'elegant and magical,' saying it opened a 'door to a completely new sound' upon first use.
- The story emphasizes the involvement of matchmakers with deep pockets in connecting elite musicians with high-value instruments.
Background
Recent archive coverage has focused on scientific and legal developments, including structural biology of viruses, astronomical anomalies, deep-sea mining hazards, and a coroner's inquest regarding a preventable death. None of these prior stories relate to the arts or high-value musical instruments, indicating this is a new topic area for the site. The current story stands alone without direct historical context from the provided archive.
Why it matters
The story illustrates the intersection of elite classical music performance and high-value asset management. It reveals how access to rare, multi-million-dollar instruments is facilitated by specialized intermediaries, highlighting the exclusivity and financial barriers within the world of classical music. For musicians like Grosz, such access can significantly alter their artistic capabilities and performance quality, as evidenced by his description of the instrument's unique sound.
What to watch
There is no information in the source regarding the future availability of the Macdonald Stradivari viola or whether Grosz will continue to play it. The article does not mention any upcoming performances, sales, or changes in the instrument's ownership or loan status. Therefore, no concrete next steps can be determined from the provided text.
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