Sergey Khachatryan Performs with Historic 1724 'Kiesewetter' Stradivari in Brussels Return

Two decades after winning the Queen Elisabeth Competition, Armenian violinist Sergey Khachatryan returns to Brussels' Palais des Beaux-Arts with a performance that marks a new chapter for one of the world's most storied instruments: the 1724 'Kiesewetter' Stradivari. This instrument ranks among the rarest of its kind, valued at approximately $16 million and long associated with some of the greatest violinists of the modern era. Its distinctive tone previously resonated in the hands of Maxim Vengerov and later Augustin Hadelich, whose acclaimed recordings on the instrument helped define a generation's sound. Now, with support from the Stretton Society, the violin has found a new artistic voice in Khachatryan.

For Khachatryan, recognized for his profound, almost spiritual approach to music, the connection with the instrument was immediate. The violin possesses an extraordinary voice – radiant, powerful, yet infinitely nuanced. To stand again on the stage of Bozar, now with the 'Kiesewetter' Stradivari as his partner, feels both like a homecoming and a new beginning. The upcoming program with the Belgian National Orchestra will feature Brahms' Violin Concerto, a monumental work of the Romantic repertoire that tests the technical limits of the instrument through challenging double stops, bold octave leaps, and intricate arpeggios. The concert also includes Schumann's Third Symphony, a five-movement masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of classical form while honoring Beethoven's innovations.

This performance on the legendary violin reflects a growing movement in classical music: the revival of private patronage and the conviction that masterpieces belong on stage rather than in vaults. The Stretton Society, a non-profit network of philanthropists founded in 2021, represents this revival, working to connect rare instruments with extraordinary artists. Its co-founder, Stephan Jansen, views the partnership with Khachatryan as emblematic of the Society's mission. Every Stradivari carries centuries of history, but the 'Kiesewetter' holds special significance – it has served as the artistic partner of violinists who defined entire generations. To hear it now in the hands of Sergey Khachatryan, in Brussels with its tremendous heritage of violin playing, represents the continuation of that legacy.

Beyond instrument loans, the Stretton Society funds mentorship programs that foster dialogue between established artists and rising talent. In 2024, the organization received the European Cultural Award for its contribution to the arts. Khachatryan, who gained international prominence as the youngest-ever laureate of the Jean Sibelius International Violin Competition, has performed with the world's leading orchestras and conductors, earning recognition for his rare combination of depth, sensitivity, and brilliance. His music is characterized by an introspective intensity that feels particularly suited to the 'Kiesewetter'. The violin itself traces a fascinating lineage. Crafted in Cremona around 1724 by Antonio Stradivari, its name derives from the 19th-century German virtuoso Christoph Gottfried Kiesewetter. Across centuries, its varnish and voice have absorbed the touch of each generation's most expressive players.

The upcoming Brussels performance represents more than artistic mastery. It serves as a bridge between generations of violinists, connecting the craftsmanship of Cremona with contemporary audiences. Through Khachatryan and the Stretton Society, the 'Kiesewetter' once again fulfills its purpose – not to be locked away, but to live, breathe, and inspire. The performance at Bozar demonstrates how historic instruments can continue to shape musical expression when placed in the hands of artists committed to their legacy.