A conductor accidentally sent a violin valued at over $1.2 million flying through the air after hitting the instrument during a concert in Finland.
The incident took place during a performance at the Sibelius Hall, a concert venue located in Lahti, Finland. On the occasion, maestro Matthew Halls was conducting enthusiastically when he accidentally struck violinist Elina Vähälä’s instrument.
As the extremely expensive violin fell to the ground, Vähälä let out a scream and brought her hands to her face while the instrument bounced three times on the floor before coming to a stop.
Vähälä then showed a look of panic as she saw the violin made by GB Guadagnini, considered one of the greatest violin makers in the world, lying flat on the ground.
The orchestra continued playing until the conductor stopped them. Vähälä gently bent down to pick up the violin while the concerned musicians watched. After a tense two-minute pause, she resumed playing Violin Concerto No. 1 by Max Bruch.
Fortunately, the violin suffered very little damage, thanks to Vähälä cushioning the fall with her foot. Her quick reflexes left the instrument without cracks or scratches. “My Guadagnini is perfectly fine!” Vähälä said.
“The glue between the top and the ribs gave way, as it should, to protect the top and back from cracks during changes in humidity. Or, as we found out, from an impact. The guardian angel of old Italian instruments was present.”
Photo and video: Instagram @violinist. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
Ver essa foto no Instagram
