Legendary Stradivarius finds Romania owner at last

Sâmbătă, 24 noiembrie 2007, 13:57 English | Bucharest

A Stradivarius violin bought by the Romanian state for some 70,000 Swiss francs in 1956 especially for artist Ion Voicu, was handed to its new owner in a ceremony on Friday. Alexandru Tomescu, winner of a contest within the "George Enescu" International Festival in Bucharest, received the 1.2 million euro worth instrument and intends to hold a concert using it next week.

Tomescu, who will use the violin for the following five years, will participate in the Romanian Piano Trio and intends to launch a CD dedicated to his treasury-instrument.

The Stradivarius was returned to the Culture Ministry in September 2007, by the son of the late Ion Voicu, Madalin.

During the five years of temporary ownership, Tomescu will have a room where he can practice everyday. Except for the practice hours, the instrument will be permanently guarded. The violin was insured for 1.2 million euro, with a 8,100 euro insurance rate.