Beare's International Violin Society | J & A Beare

Steven Smith, Managing Director of J & A Beare and his wife So-Ock Kim, established the Beare’s International Violin Society in 2011, with the aim of supporting young talented musicians through the loan of the finest stringed instruments.

The Society brings together patrons who own instruments with the rising stars who play them.

Owning a fine instrument can be a most rewarding experience both artistically and financially. Over the centuries, the performance of violins on the concert platform has been mirrored by their consistent performance as fine investments. A growing market and a diminishing supply have led to a rise in the value of instruments which has put the finest examples out of the reach of talented musicians. Subsequently, these players now rely more and more upon the patronage of those who can generously lend fine instruments for their use.

J & A Beare and the Beare’s International Violin Society have been successfully helping musicians connect with such enlightened patrons. Some of the players who have benefitted from this scheme include: Janine Jansen, Vadim Repin, Nigel Kennedy, Lawrence Power, Pekka Kuusisto, Baiba Skride, Kian Soltani, Alma Deutscher, Emmanuel Tjeknavorian, Pablo Ferrández, Alena Baeva, Timothy Ridout, Bruno Philippe, Narek Hakhnazaryan, Yura Lee, the Dover Quartet, Quatuor Ébène, the Amatis Trio as well as many other talented musicians.

Left: Founder and President of the Beare’s International Violin Society, Steven Smith with Society artists Timothy Ridout, Pablo Ferrández, Kian Soltani and Emmanuel Tjeknavorian.

Patrons naturally benefit from the cultural aspects of the Society’s work and hugely enjoy the interaction between themselves, the artist, and the instrument. Typically, sponsors love to frequent the artist’s concerts, socialise with them and follow their careers. In addition to these benefits, patrons can be sure of the quality and maintenance of the instruments on loan. The condition of all instruments is regularly monitored by the Beare’s workshop, who also carry out any restoration or repair work as and when it is needed. The Society can also guarantee to the owner that the insurance for their instruments is covered.

“Supporting artists is an essential part of being a collector and I am passionate about matching patrons with talented musicians and their dream instruments. The social and philanthropic aspects of investing in fine stringed instruments are invaluable and I am always delighted to introduce music lovers to this world of patronage, long-lasting musical friendships, and unforgettable cultural experiences.”

– Maja Wegrzynowska

Vice-President of the Beare’s International Violin Society with Society artists Sheku and Braimah Kanneh-Mason

“Great sounding violins deserve to be in the hands of talented young performers that really need them. The Beare’s International Violin Society has been very fortunate to find so many enlightened patrons to invest in these great works of craftsmanship that can be loaned to those who need them. It has been very rewarding to see the wonderful connections made between the performers, the patrons and the instruments. ”

– Simon Morris

with Society artists Kian Soltani and Pablo Ferrández

“Collecting fine instruments has a wonderful dimension of social impact investing: by lending instruments to top artists, their careers are furthered and their audiences are invariably beneficiaries as well. Because Beare’s deal with artists of the highest level and instruments of the finest quality, they have opened up a rarefied world in a uniquely warm and personable way. The personal satisfaction and pleasure of this form of philanthropy is immeasurable. There is no asset that is more entertaining! Never has investing been so engrossing nor yielded so much satisfaction.”

– Irene R. Miller, Corporate director, amateur violinist and patron of the Society with Lea Hausmann from the Amatis Trio

“It is rare to find an investable asset class – and one so unique – that can bring joy to so many people. I began to collect instruments over 20 years ago as a passion. As someone who has spent their entire professional career in global financial services, it has been extraordinary to learn how well investments in stringed instruments have performed financially throughout their history and the returns that have been available to investors. My only advice would be to buy well, through a dealer with detailed research, historical records, and broad market contacts. There are many dealers who may make this claim, but few have the resources to back it up. In my view, Beare’s is now the world’s most established and relevant dealer.”

– Jonathan Moulds, CBE,

One of the world’s most important private collectors and patron of the Society

Steven Smith – Managing Director of J & A Beare, So-Ock Kim – Artistic Coordinator of the Beare’s International Violin Society, Kevin Miura – Awarded candidate with most outstanding potential at the 2016 Menuhin Competition, Jonathan Moulds CBE – Renowned collector who generously loaned Kevin a Stradivari from his collection.

Beare's International Violin Society Artists

Janine Jansen

“When this wonderful instrument came into your hands and you thought it could be the voice I had been looking for, you were completely right. This is my dream violin and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Alexander Sitkovetsky

“In today’s reality where most musicians rely on patronage to have the chance to play on a great instrument, it is essential that musicians and collectors are brought together. I am thrilled that Beare’s is doing that.”

Quatuor Ébène

“You said it was a matter of time until you found the perfect instruments for us – and you did! We are so grateful for all the help and support you have given us.”

Dover Quartet

“What is immediately palpable about Beare’s is not only their passion for instruments of the finest quality but their commitment that these instruments can change the course of a performer’s life. Through Beare’s instrument loans, we have heard things we never thought possible in the group.”

Baiba Skride

“I am so happy and proud to be part of the Beare’s International Violin Society. Through the society I have been lucky enough to be loaned a wonderful Stradivarius violin and I could not be more thankful. ”

Kian Soltani

“Beare’s has been a huge support in the most crucial period of my musical development. Finding the right instrument is immensely important for any artist. I’ll be forever grateful for their support and help in finding MY voice.”

Amatis Trio

“It is a true honour and privilege to be temporary guardians of these beautiful instruments. Instruments of this kind are simply unaffordable for young musicians but are invaluable to the progression of their careers and musical development. Thank you to Beare’s for their immensely valuable support. ”

Yura Lee

“I met this violin in Hong Kong and fell in love immediately. The Beare’s International Violin Society is a wonderful vehicle to connect patrons and musicians and I am so grateful to have met a patron through the Society who has allowed me the privilege of performing on this violin.”

Timothy Ridout

“For several years already, I have been fortunate enough to be supported by the Beare’s International Violin Society. Beare’s found the most incredible Zanetto viola for me, which is a joy to play. Thank you J & A Beare for your generosity and expert guidance!”

Pablo Ferrández

“When I was in urgent need for an instrument, the Beares society, very generously loaned me an absolutely top class cello, not only that but they managed to find me a cello that suited me perfectly. As an instrumentalist, it is hard to find someone that understands the special relationship between an instrument and its player, and no one does this better than the Beares Society. Could never be thankful enough for how much they have helped me.”