On November 10, 2011, Tarisio auctioned this violins for $1,080,000 to an anonymous bidder, a new auction record for the maker. Owned by Maestro Lorin Maazel for 66 years, this fine Italian violin by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini has been heard in numerous recordings and concerts worldwide during his long and distinguished career. “I first played this violin when I was 15,” says Maazel, “and it has been my close companion ever since.” The proceeds of the sale enable The Castleton Festival, which Maazel launched in 2009, to help young instrumentalists, singers and conductors to develop in their professional careers.
