A violin used to practice on by renowned musician Vanessa-Mae is set for auction after a touching letter from a fan sparked an ‘amazing’ random act of kindness.
She gifted one of her own violins, discovered during a clear-out session, to a man called Michael because she was so touched by his letter – and the instrument could sell for thousands at auction in December.
A letter of provenance with the instrument written to ‘Michael’ states, ‘I was having a clear out so to speak in my apartment and found one of my practice violins. I have no idea if you can play or not but I would like to give it to you as a token of my appreciation of what you said about my work. I hope that this is okay with you. If you do play it, you could practice and if you don’t you could use it to learn’.
The letter also revealed a mutual compassion for animals. She wrote: ‘I felt that the work you do for animals is a real credit and as the owner of two Shih Tzus (dogs) myself I understand the importance of animal welfare and indeed human welfare. I took part in the Year of promise by giving 10% of my salary to the cause’.
The violin, signed using a silver sharpie by the star, is set to go under the hammer in Hansons Auctioneers’ Music Auction on December 8 with a guide price of £2,000-£3,000. It is missing its bridge and shows signs of use but its connection to one of the best-known violinists in the world makes it a wonderful piece of memorabilia to own, according to Hansons.
The firm’s music consultant Claire Howell said: “Vanessa-Mae is loved the world over and this gift and accompanying letter of provenance show she deserves admiration for her kindness of spirit as well as her talent. Not only is she a supremely gifted musician, she has a heart of gold. What an amazingly kind gesture, to give her own violin to someone just because their words touched her.
“She is a megastar, she has sold more than seven million albums, and yet she took time out to answer a humble letter from a fan and send him a gift. It’s a random act of kindness that speaks volumes. For anyone who enjoys her music, or who simply likes to collect fascinating memorabilia, this is a chance to own something extra special.
“As well as being signed by her, the violin comes with that special personal letter, both typed and hand-written on Sony Music headed paper dated July, 2007. It includes a PS. ‘The outer string may need changing as it always can be played too hard by me!’ The lot also includes a personalised picture card signed `To Michael All my love and best wishes Vanessa-Mae xx’.
“The item was acquired 15 years ago by our vendor. He worked closely with charities to obtain autographs and memorabilia from celebrities to help raise thousands of pounds for good causes. His appreciative letter to Vanessa-Mae sparked an extra special response and you can understand why he has kept her violin for so long.
“However, he has now decided it is time to part with it. He hopes another Vanessa-Mae fan will treasure the instrument for years to come. If you know a superfan who just happens to be called Michael this would be their ultimate Christmas present.”
Vanessa-Mae, 44, was born in Singapore but moved to London at the age of four. A prodigious talent, she already played piano and, at five, took up the violin. She studied with Professor Lin Yao Ji at the National Conservatoire of Music in Beijing and at London’s Royal College of Music.
At 10 she made her professional debut at a music festival in Germany. Aged only 13 she became the youngest soloist to record both the Beethoven and Tchaikovsky violin concertos, according to Guinness World Records. Her first pop-style album, The Violin Player, was released in 1995. She is also a talented skier and in 2014 represented Thailand at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
The Vanessa-Mae practice violin will be offered in Hansons Auctioneers’ Music Sale on December 8. To find out more, or to arrange a free music memorabilia valuation, email [email protected].
