VC Young Artist's New Million Dollar Baby

Former VC 'Young Artist of the Week' and Concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Noah Bendix-Balgley has announced the purchase of a 1732 Carlo Bergonzi violin – previously owned by Nigel Kennedy and Margot MacGibbon

While the details of the sale are unclear, experts have estimated the transaction conducted by J&A Beare in London, was likely to have exceeded USD $1 million

“It's really an investment in the artistic quality ...”  Bendix-Balgley has said, “... and I felt my position here with the Pittsburgh Symphony demands a violin of top quality”

Its believed the 29 year old was assisted by the orchestra to secure the instrument's loan – a financial arrangement now fairly typical amongst top-tier professional orchestras