A Japanese music foundation has sold a renowned Stradivarius violin for $16 million at auction to raise money for tsunami disaster relief.
The nonprofit Nippon Foundation owned the 1721 violin, which was rarely played, and decided it could be put to better use.
“While this violin was very important to our collection, the needs of our fellow Japanese people after the March 11 tragedy have proven that we all need to help, in any way we can.
Along with relief projects in northern Japan, proceeds from the sale will also support arts programs in the region.
(READ the story in The Wall Street Journal)