Stradivarius Violin Comes to Vero Beach Before Palm Beach Auction

Vero Beach, FL – This September 9th, the Treasure Coast will host a rare and historic opportunity: the chance to see and hear a Stradivarius violin that has not been played or seen in public since the early twentieth century—before it goes to auction in Palm Beach next month.

The violin, once owned by Professor McKay of Harvard University, a distinguished violinist, was loaned to the Juilliard 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.

The event will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Community Church of Vero Beach and features two unique opportunities for the public:

4:00 PM – Private Reception & Lecture (VIP Event)

Limited seating | Tickets $100

Includes hors d’oeuvres, a personal host, and an exclusive performance on the Stradivarius by renowned violinist Matt Stott

(RSVP required)

OR-

6:00–7:00 PM – Public Lecture in the Sanctuary

An engaging one-hour presentation on the history, craftsmanship, and legacy of the Stradivarius

Rare opportunity to view the violin up close

Tickets: $20 General Admission | Free for Students

Donations welcome

“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment,” said Casey Lunceford, Executive Director of the 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.

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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 on display to the public.

About the Gifford Academy for Performing Arts

The Gifford Academy for Performing Arts (formerly the Gifford Youth Orchestra) is dedicated to providing quality music education, performance opportunities, and cultural enrichment to students of all backgrounds. Through tuition assistance, lessons, and community events, the Academy continues its mission of making music accessible to all.

For more information contact:

Gifford Academy for Performing Arts

3850 20th Street, #6, Vero Beach, FL 32960

info@giffordacademy.org