Stradivarius violins have been in the news a lot lately. A viola by the famous luthier may become the most expensive musical instrument ever sold when it goes up for auction at Sothebys.

The asking price will start at $45million.

Concertmaster with Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Frank Almond may not agree with the price but he understands the instrument’s worth.

In January this year, Frank was knocked to the ground when he was shot by a stun gun. His attackers took his Lipinski Stradivarius and disappeared.

However as Almond explained on The Green Room, an extensive search by the police and FBI and a nationwide appeal saw the $5million dollar instrument returned to its owner weeks later.

The attack may put fear into the hearts of musicians in possession of valuable instruments but Almond points out that the perpetrators would have had considerable trouble offloading his favourite violin.

The Milwaukee concertmaster says he is not considering handcuffing himself to his Stradivarius ..just yet.

Listen here for the full interview with Concertmaster Frank Almond on The Green Room with Orla Barry:

The Green Room with Orla Barry airs on Saturdays from 9-11pm