A rare violin crashed to the floor during a concert by Sinfonia Lahti last week, stirring debate about fine instruments.
An unusual incident at a concert by Sinfonia Lahti last week has stirred fresh debate about fine instruments.
Jarkko Niemi, a Helsinki-based violin maker and restorer, found himself thrust into the spotlight after repairing the multi-million-euro instrument of violinist Elina Vähälä.
The treasured instrument fell mid-performance when conductor Matthew Halls accidentally struck it out of Vähälä’s hands.
Vähälä’s violin is an 18th-century model made by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini. Ultimately, the mishap did not affect the value of Vähälä’s violin, as Niemi was able to repair the opened seam.
But what makes some violins so valuable? Their prices can climb into the millions, even tens of millions, of euros.
Niemi has worked in the field for more than two decades, specialising in the construction and restoration of high-value violins.
He said many factors determine their value.
“Violins are rare works of art, much like paintings. If an instrument has a recognised name and a strong provenance, that significantly boosts its value,” Niemi explained.
A violin’s price can reach the highest levels if it was made by a renowned old master, as they are especially sought after.
The most valuable violins date from the early 18th century, when the Italian city of Cremona was the centre of violin making.
Finland home to many valuable instruments
Traditionally, valuable violins have either been passed down through families or owned by foundations.
In recent years, however, investors have also entered the market, purchasing instruments and lending them to top musicians. This keeps the instruments in active use while allowing their value to appreciate.
Niemi regularly maintains instruments owned by organisations such as the Finnish Cultural Foundation, OP Financial Group and the Sibelius Academy.
“There are surprisingly many valuable violins in Finland, and the oldest date back to the early 17th century. It is impossible to give an exact number,” he said.
Edited at 16:18 on 21 April 2026 to switch the main and second photo.
