Nippon Violin Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that it will provide a two-year complimentary loan of the 1711 Antonio Stradivari violin, known as the "Marquis de Rivière," to the First Prize Winner of the 17th International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition, held in Poznań, Poland, from 8 to 25 October 2026.

The loan will be presented as the "Nippon Violin Special Prize" and is intended to support an outstanding young violinist as they embark on the next stage of their international performing career.

A Golden Period Stradivari in Recognition of Exceptional Artistry

The participants in this year's Competition have demonstrated an exceptionally high standard of performance and outstanding artistry.

Deeply impressed by these remarkable performances, Nippon Violin is honored to offer the 1711 "Marquis de Rivière," an exceptional Stradivari crafted during the master's celebrated Golden Period, widely regarded as the pinnacle of his craftsmanship.

Through this special loan, Nippon Violin hopes to support the continued artistic development of an exceptional young musician and contribute to their future success on the international stage.

About the 1711 "Marquis de Rivière"

Crafted in Cremona, Italy, in 1711, the "Marquis de Rivière" is an exceptional violin displaying characteristics associated with Stradivari's Golden Period, including a beautifully figured two-piece maple back.

Its documented history dates back to the 19th century. In 1902, the Parisian violin dealers Caressa & Français sold the instrument to Marcel Bret, an amateur violinist in Paris. In more recent times, the violin was played by British violinist Matthew Trusler.

In 2018, the "Marquis de Rivière" was exhibited at the TOKYO STRADIVARIUS FESTIVAL 2018, held at the Mori Arts Center Gallery in Tokyo.

The violin is now part of Nippon Violin's collection.

Supporting the Next Generation of Musicians

However precious a historical instrument may be, its true value is brought to life when it is played by a musician and its sound is shared with an audience.

Nippon Violin believes in preserving and passing down historically significant string instruments to future generations, while also helping gifted musicians gain access to instruments worthy of their artistic abilities.

Through this collaboration with the International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition, Nippon Violin is honored to support the development of exceptional young talent and contribute to the continued advancement of musical culture.

The Nippon Violin Special Prize is scheduled to be presented at the Awards Gala on 23 October 2026.

Official Competition Announcement

17th International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition – Nippon Violin Special Prize

Instrument

Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, 1711 “Marquis de Rivière”

•