Latest news with #Stradivarius
Mint
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
The most expensive musical instrument in the world: This rare viola is now valued at $30 million
In May, Roberto Díaz performed at the US Library of Congress using a rare viola made by Antonio Stradivari in 1690. Called the Tuscan-Medici viola, it is now valued at $30 million, possibly the world's most expensive instrument. Díaz, who leads the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, has played the viola for nearly 15 years. He even recorded a Grammy-winning album with it. Many admire its fine grain and craftsmanship, calling it both simple and deeply beautiful. According to Diaz, the instrument produces an 'incredibly resonant but kind of compact sound'. 'It has a tremendous brilliance to it, and you can hear this. People call it the 'Cremonese spin' inside the sound, which is what makes the sound just kind of travel out into the hall,' the South China Morning Post quoted him as saying. Though he doesn't often think of its price, Diaz calls it 'surreal'. The instrument was recently gifted to the Library of Congress, making its stay permanent after being on loan for years. Díaz showed Curtis board members two violas without telling them which was which. When they heard both, they were surprised. Even without knowing much about music, they could tell the difference in sound. They didn't expect violas to differ so much. Violas are less popular than violins, with fewer concertos and a softer sound. The Tuscan-Medici was made for Grand Prince Ferdinando I de' Medici. It later belonged to Macy's heir Herbert Straus. Later, it was loaned to the Library of Congress by his widow in 1977. Collectors David and Amy Fulton made the gift of the Tuscan-Medici viola possible through a $20 million donation. The previous owners, the Baird family, sold it for less than its market value, giving up $10 million as an in-kind donation. Together, their contributions will help preserve the viola and allow it to be played publicly forever. Only around 10 of Stradivari's violas are known to exist. It makes them rarer and more valuable than his violins. Experts say the Tuscan-Medici is especially prized because it has been actively played and maintained. It will remain at the library, available for top musicians to perform with or take on tour. The most expensive string instrument ever sold at auction is the 'Lady Blunt' Stradivarius violin, bought for $15.9 million in 2011. Though a Stradivarius viola called the 'Macdonald' was offered for $45 million in 2014, no buyer came forward.
What's On
a day ago
- Business
- What's On
Bag a bargain: the best Islamic New Year sales in the UAE
Islamic New Year is here, and with it comes a flurry of fabulous retail sales in the UAE. Whether you're refreshing your wardrobe, upgrading your home, or hunting for tech and lifestyle steals, these limited-time deals are your chance to shop smart. We've rounded up the best sales you can shop right now — online and in-store — just in time for the long weekend. H&M One of the UAE's favourite high-street fashion staples is offering major discounts across men's, women's, and kidswear. It's both in store and online, and it's time to stock up on summer essentials. Offer: 50% to 70% off Birkenstock Step into comfort, for less. If you don't own a pair of Birk, now is your chance to get one. Enjoy great savings on selected styles at Birkenstock stores across the UAE. Offer: up to 40% off ZARA Zara's end-of-season sale is live in-store and online, with serious markdowns on everything from staples to standout summer pieces. Offer: up to 50% Stradivarius Looking for breezy staples and effortless style? Stradivarius is offering strong discounts across its summer collection. Offer: Up to 50% off Amazon UAE The mega online retailer is celebrating the season with big savings across tech, fashion, beauty, home and more. Offer: Up to 50% off Adidas Adidas' 'End of Season Sale' includes footwear, activewear, and accessories for the whole family. Offer: 25% to 50% off Sun & Sand Sports Score deals on shoes, apparel, and accessories from all your favourite athletic brands. Offer: 30% to 60% off Pan Home Looking to give your space a fresh look? Don't miss Pan Home's massive sale across furniture and homeware. Offer: 30% to 70% off Chic Le Frique The trendy local label is dishing out deep discounts on elevated loungewear, dresses, and accessories. Offer: Up to 70% off Lululemon Find select items marked down in-store and online — perfect for anyone needing a gear refresh. Offer: Select items on sale (varies) Home Centre From sofas and beds to kitchen must-haves, Home Centre's massive sale is one of the best this season. Offer: 25% to 70% off > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sales rise for Zara owner Inditex but pace of growth slows ahead of summer
The owner of Zara has reported rising sales in recent weeks but a slowdown in the pace of growth as the fashion giant staves off the impact of economic uncertainty on global consumer confidence. Inditex, which is Europe's largest fashion retailer, said store and online sales between May 1 and June 9 rose 6% compared with the same period last year. Spring and summer collections were being received well by shoppers, it said. It nonetheless reflected slower sales growth than the same time last year – when sales leapt 12% higher ahead of the peak summer months. Sales over its latest quarter, between February and April, rose to 8.3 billion euros (£7 billion). This was 4.2% higher than the same period a year ago, at constant currency rates, but slightly fell short of analysts' expectations for the quarter. Spain-based Inditex, which also owns the Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, and Stradivarius brands, said the 'optimisation' of its stores was ongoing in a bid to improve productivity. At the end of the latest quarter, it operated 5,562 shops around the world – more than 100 fewer than the 5,698 it had last year. Concerns that consumer confidence in global markets, particularly the US, has been impacted by economic and trade uncertainty have risen in recent months. US President Donald Trump's tariff plans led some economists to cut the outlook for global growth. Meanwhile, power outages in Spain and Portugal – key markets for Inditex – caused major disruption, bringing much of the countries' systems to a standstill for a short period. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
STV News
06-06-2025
- Business
- STV News
Stradivarius to open first Glasgow store at Silverburn
A renowned fashion brand is set to open its first store in Glasgow. Stradivarius has confirmed Silverburn shopping centre as its latest destination. The new store, spanning 6,462 sq ft, will bring Stradivarius's signature fashion to Scottish shoppers. With the opening, Silverburn will now house four Inditex brands, including Zara, Pull&Bear, and the soon-to-launch Bershka. Luxury beauty brand H Beauty will also open in the centre next Thursday, June 12, with many discounts and freebies available at the launch. Founded in 1994, Stradivarius has grown into a global phenomenon, now operating more than 800 stores worldwide. Its collections are celebrated for blending the latest styles with accessible pricing, appealing to a broad and fashion-forward audience. David Pierotti, General Manager of Silverburn, welcomed the news: 'It's fantastic to be welcoming Stradivarius to Silverburn – another exciting addition from Inditex that reflects our continued commitment to providing a best-in-class experience for all our guests. 'The fact that Silverburn will host such a strong line-up of Inditex brands underlines the centre's status as Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Glasgow Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Stradivarius to open first ever Glasgow store in Silverburn
Stradivarius is set to open its first store in the city at Silverburn, one of Glasgow's premier shopping destinations. The new store will span 6,462 sq ft, bringing Stradivarius's signature blend of affordable, trend-led fashion to Scottish shoppers. READ MORE: Leisure attraction reveals opening date for first-ever Scots venue in Silverburn With this opening, Silverburn will proudly house four Inditex brands, including Zara, Pull&Bear, and the soon-to-launch Bershka, further cementing the centre's reputation as a hub for leading international retailers. This news comes just days after the Glasgow Times reported that luxury beauty brand H Beauty will be opening in the centre this month. The beauty hub will open its doors to customers next Thursday, June 12, with many discounts and freebies available at the launch. READ MORE: Silverburn: H Beauty shares first look inside new Glasgow store Founded in 1994, Stradivarius has grown into a global phenomenon, now operating more than 800 stores worldwide. Its collections are celebrated for blending the latest styles with accessible pricing, appealing to a broad and fashion-forward audience. David Pierotti, General Manager of Silverburn, welcomed the news: 'It's fantastic to be welcoming Stradivarius to Silverburn - another exciting addition from Inditex that reflects our continued commitment to providing a best-in-class experience for all our guests. 'The fact that Silverburn will host such a strong line-up of Inditex brands underlines the centre's status as Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination.'
