The incident occurred while Elina Vahala was playing the finale of a concerto, according to major media reports. The violin is a rare 18th-century instrument made by Italian master Giovanni Battista Guadagnini. The concert was briefly paused after the accident to check the violin, according to major media reports. The violin survived the fall with minor damage, according to major media reports. The damage involved a seam that had come loose, according to major media reports. The violin was later sent to a specialist for repair, with the process expected to take several weeks to ensure proper restoration.
Similar Guadagnini violins have been valued at between one and three million euros (£869,000 to £2.6 million), according to major media reports. The violin's top slightly detached from the ribs as a safety measure during the fall, according to major media reports, which helped prevent more severe structural damage.
It was an incredible reflex that I managed to get my foot in the way.
Elina Vahala holds no grudges against conductor Matthew Halls and hopes to perform with him again, according to major media reports. Conductor Matthew Halls apologized for the accident, according to major media reports, expressing regret over the unintended mishap during the performance.
Elina Vahala said the violin's sound changed slightly after the accident, suggesting a small internal shift or loosened seam, according to major media reports. Violin maker Jarkko Niemi said the outcome could have been far worse, noting such falls can easily cause cracks or break the neck, according to major media reports. It remains unknown what specific concerto was being performed when the incident occurred, and the exact date of the concert has not been confirmed beyond being described as 'last Thursday' in one source. How long the concert was paused to check the violin is also unclear.
It's an organic part of me.
Whether there will be any changes to concert protocols or conductor-soloist coordination to prevent similar incidents remains to be seen, as discussions among the orchestra and performers are ongoing.