Historic Stradivari Violin Finds New Voice Through Philanthropic Partnership

The return of Armenian violinist Sergey Khachatryan to Brussels' Palais des Beaux-Arts represents more than a homecoming performance—it showcases a transformative approach to cultural philanthropy that keeps priceless musical instruments in active artistic service. Two decades after winning the Queen Elisabeth Competition, Khachatryan performs with the Belgian National Orchestra using the legendary 1724 'Kiesewetter' Stradivari, valued at approximately $16 million, through the support of the non-profit Stretton Society.

The 'Kiesewetter' Stradivari counts among the rarest of its kind, previously associated with violinists Maxim Vengerov and Augustin Hadelich, whose recordings helped define a generation's sound. Now, through the support of the Stretton Society at https://www.strettonsociety.org, the instrument has found a new voice in Khachatryan, known for his deep, spiritual approach to music. The violinist described the connection as immediate, noting the instrument's 'radiant, powerful, yet infinitely nuanced' voice.

The concert reflects a growing movement in classical music toward reviving private patronage and ensuring masterpieces remain on stage rather than in vaults. The Stretton Society, a non-profit network of philanthropists founded in 2021, works specifically to connect rare instruments with extraordinary artists. Its co-founder Stephan Jansen views the partnership with Khachatryan as emblematic of the organization's mission, emphasizing how the 'Kiesewetter' has served as artistic partner to violinists who defined entire generations.

Beyond instrument loans, the Stretton Society funds mentorship programs that foster dialogue between established artists and rising talent. The organization received the European Cultural Award in 2024 for its contributions to the arts, recognition of its innovative approach to preserving musical heritage while supporting contemporary performance. This dual focus on preservation and progression represents a significant evolution in cultural philanthropy.

Khachatryan came to international prominence as the youngest-ever laureate of the Jean Sibelius International Violin Competition and has since performed with the world's leading orchestras. His introspective intensity makes him particularly suited to the 'Kiesewetter,' an instrument crafted in Cremona around 1724 by Antonio Stradivari and named for 19th-century German virtuoso Christoph Gottfried Kiesewetter. Across centuries, the violin's varnish and voice have absorbed the touch of each generation's most expressive players.

The Brussels performance represents more than artistic mastery, serving as a bridge between generations of violinists and connecting Cremona's craftsmanship with contemporary audiences. Through Khachatryan and the Stretton Society, the 'Kiesewetter' continues its purpose of living, breathing, and inspiring rather than being locked away, demonstrating how historic instruments can maintain relevance in modern classical music. This philanthropic model ensures that cultural treasures remain dynamic elements of our shared heritage rather than static museum pieces.