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In 1720, renowned Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari built the “perfect violin,” so called because of its superb craftsmanship and sound quality. Shortly thereafter the instrument — dubbed the “Red Violin” because of its rich color — went missing, its whereabouts unknown for more than 200 years.
The violin surfaced in Berlin in the 1930s and was bought by an heir of composer Felix Mendelssohn. In 1945 a New York businessman acquired it and remained its proud owner until Thanksgiving Day 1990, when he put it on the auction block at Christie’s of London.
Among those admiring the instrument was the grandfather of Elizabeth Pitcairn, a promising 16-year-old American violinist. He paid $1.7 million for it as a gift for her.
That inspired Canadian filmmaker Francois Girard to direct and co-write the screenplay for “The Red Violin,” which is based on his speculations about the instrument’s mysterious history. The movie won an Academy Award for Best Music, Original Score in 2000.
Pitcairn, now an internationally renowned solo artist, will bring “The Red Violin” to Maui to headline a Dec. 7 concert as part of the inaugural Wailea Wine & Food Festival. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the Four Seasons Resort Maui’s Oceanfront Lawn, the Red Violin Opus One Wine Event will also include ocean-view rooms at the hotel that evening, vintages from Opus One Winery in California and a gourmet five-course meal that reflects the violin’s suspected path through Italy, England, China and Canada.
Cost of the event is $795 per person, single or double occupancy. Pre- and post-event room rates are $295 per night. To book, call 874-8000 or email reservations.mau@fourseasons.com.