A conductor accidentally sent a violin worth more than $1.2 million flying through the air after hitting the instrument during a concert in Finland.
The incident happened during an orchestra performance at Sibelius Hall, a concert venue located in Lahti, Finland. Conductor Matthew Halls was conducting enthusiastically when he accidentally struck the instrument of violinist Elina Vahala.
As the extremely valuable violin fell to the ground, Vahala screamed and brought her hands to her face while the instrument bounced three times on the floor before coming to a stop.
Vahala then looked on in panic at the violin made by GB Guadagnini, considered one of the greatest violin makers in the world, lying on the ground.
The orchestra continued playing until the conductor stopped them. Vahala gently bent down to pick up the violin while 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 the fact that Vahala cushioned the fall with her foot. Her quick reflexes left the instrument without cracks or scratches. “My Guadagnini is perfectly fine!” Vahala said.
“The glue between the top and the ribs gave way as it should, in order to protect the top and back from cracks during changes in humidity. Or, as we discovered, from an impact. The guardian angel of old Italian instruments was present.”
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Photo and video: Instagram @violinist. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
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