Vero Beach, FL – A rare and historic opportunity is coming to the Treasure Coast this September: the chance to see and hear an extraordinarily rare Antonio Stradivarius violin, considered one of the finest instruments of its kind, before it goes to auction in Palm Beach next month.
The violin—once owned by Professor McKay of Harvard University, a distinguished violinist—was once loaned to the Julliard School in the early part of the 20th century and is now slated for auction in Palm Beach at the end of September. Before it changes hands, it will make a special stop in Vero Beach for a lecture and community presentation hosted by the Gifford Academy for Performing Arts (formerly the Gifford Youth Orchestra).
The event will take place Tuesday, September 9th at the Community Church of Vero Beach and includes two opportunities for the public to participate:
- 4:00 PM – Private Reception & Lecture (RSVP required)
Limited seating. Tickets $100. Includes hors d’oeuvres. - 6:00–7:00 PM – Public Lecture in the Sanctuary
Open to the community. Tickets $20. Students free. Donations welcome.
“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment,” said Casey Lunceford, executive director of Gifford Academy for Performing Arts. “After the Palm Beach auction, the violin will almost certainly return to private ownership, and it may not be seen publicly again for generations. We are honored to give Vero Beach this extraordinary cultural experience.”
By hosting this event, the Gifford Academy for Performing Arts continues its mission to expand arts education and cultural opportunities in the community, inspiring audiences of all ages while connecting them with world-class artistry.
Tickets and RSVP information will be available on our website at: https://giffordacademy.org/events/
About the Antonio Stradivarius Violin
Crafted in the 17th century by master maker Antonio Stradivari, Stradivarius violins are considered the pinnacle of stringed instrument making. Fewer than 600 are known to exist today, with most held in private collections and rarely seen by the public.
About the Gifford Academy for Performing Arts
The Gifford Academy for Performing Arts (formerly the Gifford Youth Orchestra) is dedicated to providing transformational arts education to children and young people, breaking down barriers and empowering students through creativity, discipline, and performance opportunities.
