‘Maazel’ Guadagnini of 1783

Owned by Maestro Lorin Maazel for 66 years, this fine Italian violin by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini has been heard in numerous recordings and concerts worldwide during his long and distinguished career.  “I first played this violin when I was 15,” says Maazel, “and it has been my close companion ever since.”

The proceeds of the sale will enable The Castleton Festival, which Maazel launched in 2009, to help young instrumentalists, singers and conductors to develop in their professional careers.

On November 10, 2011, this violin was sold for a new auction record of $1,080,000 to an anonymous bidder.