A Legacy Rekindled: Sergey Khachatryan and the Legendary 1724 “Kiesewetter” Stradivari Return to Brussels
Charity AceTwo decades after claiming victory at the Queen Elisabeth Competition, Armenian violinist Sergey Khachatryan revisits Brussels with the legendary 1724 “Kiesewetter” Stradivari, marking a momentous occasion. This return not only signifies a homecoming but heralds a new chapter for one of the world’s most storied musical instruments, underlining the enduring power of private patronage in classical music.
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TLDRQuick Summary for Different Perspectives
- Sergey Khachatryan's performance with the $16 million 'Kiesewetter' Stradivari in Brussels could set a new standard in the violin world.
- The 'Kiesewetter' Stradivari, crafted in 1724, has a rich history and unique sound, now played by Sergey Khachatryan under the Stretton Society's support.
- This concert revives the tradition of private patronage, showing that masterpieces like the 'Kiesewetter' Stradivari should be shared with the world, not hidden away.
- Imagine hearing a violin worth $16 million, with a voice shaped by centuries and legends, played live in Brussels.
The Prodigal Returns
When Sergey Khachatryan graces the stage of Brussels’ Palais des Beaux-Arts this 17 October, the atmosphere will resonate with more than the anticipation of a musical performance. It is a poignant homecoming, a return to the city where, two decades prior, Khachatryan was crowned the youngest-ever laureate of the Queen Elisabeth Competition. This time, he brings with him not just the weight of his accomplishments but also a partner steeped in history—the 1724 “Kiesewetter” Stradivari.
A Stradivari's Journey Through Time
The “Kiesewetter” Stradivari, named after the 19th-century German virtuoso Christoph Gottfried Kiesewetter, is not merely an instrument but a vessel carrying centuries of musical heritage. Crafted by the legendary Antonio Stradivari in Cremona, this violin has passed through the hands of some of the modern era’s most revered violinists, including Maxim Vengerov and Augustin Hadelich. With its rich, nuanced tone, it has contributed to the soundscape of generations, making its upcoming performance in Brussels a bridge between the past and the present.
The Stretton Society: Guardians of Musical Heritage
Behind this momentous occasion is the Stretton Society, a beacon of private patronage in the classical music landscape. Founded in 2021, the Society has dedicated itself to a noble mission: to ensure that masterpieces such as the “Kiesewetter” Stradivari are not relegated to vaults but continue to live and inspire on the world’s stages. The Society’s co-founder, Stephan Jansen, views the partnership with Khachatryan as a testament to this mission, highlighting the violin’s unique place in the annals of history and its ongoing legacy.
A Concert That Bridges Generations
The upcoming concert, detailed in the program, promises to be a confluence of historical significance and contemporary brilliance. Khachatryan, accompanied by the Belgian National Orchestra, will tackle Brahms’ Violin Concerto—a piece that pushes the violin to its expressive limits. Also on the docket is Schumann’s Third Symphony, further emphasizing the evening’s homage to the greats of Romantic repertoire and Beethoven’s legacy. This performance, therefore, is not just a concert but a celebration of the violin’s enduring voice through centuries.
Conclusion: A Legacy Continues
The “Kiesewetter” Stradivari’s return to Brussels in the hands of Sergey Khachatryan is a testament to the enduring power of music to connect across generations. Through the efforts of the Stretton Society, and the artistry of musicians like Khachatryan, instruments with rich histories continue to fulfill their purpose—to inspire, to move, and to bridge the past with the present. It is a reminder that music, much like the instruments that produce it, is not a static art form but a living, breathing entity that thrives on connection and renewal. This concert is not just a performance; it is a moment in history, a point where the past and future of classical music intersect in the heart of Brussels.
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