Australian Orchestra Spends US$1.35 Million On Violin

The world-renowned, Sydney-based Australian Chamber Orchestra has bought a violin made in 1714 for US$1.35, approximately $1.44 million Australian.

Made by Joseph Guarneri filius Andreae, the instrument has been purchased by the ACO for the ACO Instrument Fund. The violin will fit in with the orchestra's collection given that Guarneri's son del Gesù probably also had a hand in making the instrument. Del Gesù is the master craftsman behind the violin used ACO Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, which is valued at US$15 million.

The latest acquisition will be played by Rebecca Chan, who said, “This 1714 Guarneri violin has many of the typical characteristics which we have come to expect from this legendary luthier. It has a dark, rich tone, like an alto voice, yet it is capable of great sweetness. Although it's a very powerful violin, it can also spin the most delicate and intimate pianissimos.”

The ACO investment fund is a commercial fund that purchases instruments selected by the ACO and lends them to the ACO members to play.

Here's what a $1.44 million violin sounds like:

Edit: The ACO have made the video private, so if you didn't get a chance to hear it you'll just have to pretend until you see it onstage.