“The 1696 Stradivari has been purchased by a British music festival led by an English violinist. We congratulate the new owner and wish them the best of luck and success with the violin. We are delighted that it will be played and enjoyed for many more years to come and that it will actively contribute to the musical vibrancy of this country through the festival and its wonderful work,” says Jason Price, Director of Tarisio.
The Strad that was stolen from a London Pret A Manger back in 2010--amazingly recovered, unharmed, three long years later--is going on sale at auction on December 18.
"This violin was a faithful friend for many years, and I was devastated by its loss," Min-Jin Kym said. "Its recovery is an absolute relief, and I am eager to hear the violin onstage once more. I wish its next owner all the best of luck and success."
The "ex-Kym" Stradivarius, as it were, will be sold by Tarisio--the leading auction house for fine stringed instruments.
Said Jason Price, Tarisio's director, "It is so exceptionally fortunate that Min-Jin's violin was recovered safely and can now find its way into the hands of the next deserving owner."
Online bids will start at £1 million, but many have noted the final offer could fetch upwards of £2 million.
As if to say thanks, a portion of the proceeds (and the sales commission, natch) will benefit the authorities who were instrumental in recovering what will forever be known as the "ex-Kym" Strad.
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