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A 300-Year-Old Stradivarius Takes Center Stage in Brussels
BRUSSELS, Oct 17, 2025 — The elegant halls of the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels resonated with timeless beauty on Friday evening as Armenian violinist Sergey Khachatryan performed on a 300-year-old Stradivarius violin valued at approximately $16 million. The instrument, crafted by the legendary Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari around 1724, captivated audiences with its unmatched tonal warmth and clarity.
The performance, accompanied by the Belgian National Orchestra, featured the Brahms Violin Concerto, a technically demanding and emotionally rich masterpiece that showcased the instrument’s extraordinary sonic depth.
A Rare Masterpiece from Stradivari’s Golden Age
The violin, known as the “Kiesewetter” Stradivarius, dates back to Stradivari’s Golden Period (1700–1720), a time when the Cremona-based craftsman perfected his art, producing instruments celebrated for their flawless resonance and balance.
Recently acquired by a benefactor of the Stretton Society, a philanthropic organization dedicated to lending exceptional instruments to leading musicians, the Kiesewetter Stradivarius will now be in Khachatryan’s care for the next ten years.
“It is an immense joy to form a bond with such a remarkable instrument,” said Khachatryan ahead of the performance. “This violin has a soul — its beauty, its complexity, its history. Playing Brahms with it allows me to express emotions in their purest form.”
The Kiesewetter’s Storied Past
The Kiesewetter violin carries an illustrious legacy, having been played by some of the world’s most distinguished violinists, including Augustin Hadelich and Maxim Vengerov. Vengerov notably performed with the instrument at the 1996 Grammy Awards, standing alongside Sting and Elton John — a moment immortalized in a photograph cherished by collectors and musicians alike.
“There’s actually a very beautiful photo with Maxim Vengerov, Sting, and Elton John next to the instrument,” said Stephan Jansen, co-founder of the Stretton Society, highlighting the violin’s unique place in both musical and cultural history.
A Symbol of Musical Legacy and Philanthropy
Stradivari’s instruments, of which only several hundred remain, are considered among the most valuable in the world. Depending on provenance and preservation, their prices can range from $2 million to over $20 million. The Kiesewetter is one of the few still actively played, reflecting the Stretton Society’s mission to keep such instruments alive through performance rather than display.
Khachatryan’s decade-long stewardship of the violin ensures that its legacy continues through live music — connecting centuries of craftsmanship with the emotional immediacy of modern audiences.
“If you have such an incredible violin, you can show the true beauty of Brahms’ music — the reflection of nature and the human soul,” Khachatryan added.
Stradivari’s Enduring Influence
Born in Cremona, Italy, Antonio Stradivari (1644–1737) is universally recognized as the greatest violin maker in history. His instruments, characterized by exceptional wood selection, varnish composition, and acoustic balance, remain the gold standard for string players worldwide.
Today, Stradivari’s violins are not only musical treasures but also cultural artifacts, connecting generations of musicians in a lineage of artistry, innovation, and devotion.
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