Our concept
How do we do it?
The Foundation sees its job in placing valuable string instruments from collections of private persons, companies, and collectors into the hands of musicians, for a relatively low monthly fee. The owner of the instrument will get two thirds of this fee and the rest will help cover the cost of the Foundation’s daily business.
As opposed to other foundations, who own a great deal of instruments to rent out free of charge, the Maggini Foundation is setting itself apart in some key aspects.
Many a foundation hold an audition to determine who gets what kind of instrument, many have a maximum rental period of around one or two years, and for some, there is an age limit of 30 years. The Maggini Foundation does not hold auditions. Instead, prospective lessees can make an appointment in Basel – after a thorough check of their CV and further documents, e.g. a letter of recommendation. According to their needs, their wishes for sound quality, and their financial situation, a selection of high class instruments is being made to present the applicant with his or her ideal match. Our philosophy is to ensure an easy access to these marvellous instruments, that are so hard to come by. This is why we allow musicians to rent our instruments as long as they want, to give them an extra amount of security when preparing for auditions, competitions, concerts, or recordings. Giving each and every musician time to get to know their new instrument is one of our core principles.
«Instruments of that quality are living organisms which, like people, you have to talk to in order to understand their personalities. And they are all different …
… It’s like meeting a new person each time; you have to start all over again. The instrument teaches you to play, not the other way around»
- Maxim Vengerov, article in The Strad Magazine, June 20th 2018