This instrument cost $3m. Here’s the sound you get for your money

Sydney Morning Herald

by Nick Galvin

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

This instrument cost $3m. Here’s the sound you get for your money

Stefanie Farrands, principal viola of the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO), has found her musical soulmate after a five-year global search. The instrument, a rare 1610 Giovanni Paolo Maggini viola, cost over $3 million and is considered one of the world’s finest examples of its kind. This exquisite violin now joins an elite collection in ACO’s Instrument Fund, which is valued at more than $11 million. For Farrands, the value lies not in the price tag but in the unparalleled sound and emotional connection it offers. The viola was found during a visit to Reuning & Son showrooms in New York, where Farrands meticulously tested instruments for hours. The moment she played the Maggini viola, she felt an immediate and profound connection. “It resonated straight into me,” she said, describing the experience as life-changing. The instrument’s rich, smooth sound, likened to dark chocolate, has opened new artistic possibilities for her. Farrands believes it is not just a tool but an extension of herself, allowing her to express emotions with unprecedented depth and nuance. The Maggini viola represents the pinnacle of 17th-century craftsmanship, part of a “golden age” of lutherie. While theories about its superior sound range from the use of mini ice age spruce wood to the varnish employed, much remains mysterious. Farrands herself is captivated by this enigma, describing the instrument as a rare gem that feels like part of her identity. For readers interested in music and artistry, this story highlights the profound human connection between musician and instrument. Beyond its monetary value, the Maggini viola symbolizes the pursuit of perfection in art and the enduring legacy of master craftsmanship. As Farrands pushes herself to new artistic heights with this extraordinary tool, it underscores how rare instruments can transform a

Verticals

worldaustralia

Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/24/2026