FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY
October 15, 2010

A 1697 Stradivarius violin known as The Molitor was sold online by Tarisio Auctions for a world-record price of $3,600,000 Thursday, October 14, 2010, to renowned concert violinist Anne Akiko Meyers. The price is the highest on record for any musical instrument sold at auction. Fierce bidding over the violin exceeded the presale estimate of $2,000,000-3,000,000.

Tarisio’s overall sale also set a new record for the highest-value musical instrument auction ever at $9,040,556.

The Molitor is believed to have been owned by Napoleon Bonaparte and takes its name from former owner Count Gabriel-Jean-Joseph Molitor, a General in Napoleon’s army. Other previous owners include the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia and the American violinist Elmar Oliveira.

“It was love at first sound,” Anne Akiko Meyers said of The Molitor Stradivarius violin. “Its power, feel, and range of color are extraordinary. I look forward to sharing this sound with the world.”

Jason Price, director of Tarisio commented: “It’s a rare opportunity when a Stradivarius of this quality comes for sale at auction. The Molitor is the perfect convergence of historically important provenance, impeccable condition and first class sound. We’re delighted to have sold it to Anne Akiko Meyers.”

Tarisio is one of the world’s leading sources of fine and rare stringed instruments. It combines the excellent reputation and services of a traditional auction house with the efficiency and accessibility of online sales. Offering first-class expertise and guaranteed cataloging, it has earned the respect of musicians, collectors, restorers and dealers the world over.

Contact Information
Tarisio:
www.tarisio.com
Jason Price
212.307.7224
jprice@tarisio.com

Anne Akiko Meyers:
www.anneakikomeyers.com
Rebecca Davis PR
347.432.8832
rebecca@rebeccadavispr.com