Tarisio onlune auctioneers has announced that the firm will sell the “Maazel” Guadagnini violin, 1783, at its November 10 online auction. The violin has been owned and played by the world-renowned conductor Lorin Maazel for the past 66 years. All proceeds from the sale are to fund an endowment for young artist development at the Castleton Festival, the annual music festival founded by Maazel and his wife, Dietlinde Turban-Maazel.

Maazel, currently music director of the Munich Philharmonic, began his distinguished career playing the violin at age five and conducting orchestras at the age of eight. He has performed as a soloist in recitals and concerts around the world and served as music director of several of the world’s prestigious orchestras, including seven years conducting the New York Philharmonic.

In a written statement, Maazel said of his violin, “I first played this Guadagnini when I was 15, and it has been my close companion ever since. We are especially happy that proceeds of its sale will go toward enabling young instrumentalists, singers, and conductors to develop their professional careers.”

The “Maazel” violin was made by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini in Turin, Italy. Violins from Guadagnini’s years in Turin are considered to be his most important and best-sounding work. Jason Price, Tarisio’s director, says, “This is a true musician’s violin, destined to inspire and delight audiences for generations to come. We’re very pleased and honored to sell such an exceptional and important instrument for the benefit of the Castleton Festival.”

Learn more at tarisio.com.

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