Own a Piece of Musical History
Become a patron of a 300-year-old Italian master cello and support the next generation of virtuosos.
years old
Offer Price
shares available
Owned and performed for nearly half a century by renowned Australian cellist Nathan Waks, this historic instrument is now offered through a new model of cultural patronage.
A New Model of Cultural Patronage
The 300-Year-Old Cello Project introduces a new way to preserve and share cultural heritage.
Instead of allowing historic instruments to disappear into private collections, OCTARR enables a circle of collectors and music patrons to share ownership while ensuring that the instrument continues to be played.
Through fractional ownership, patrons become custodians of a living musical legacy.
Rather than owning an object that sits silent in storage, patrons support an instrument that continues its life on stage.
Hear the Instrument
Nathan Waks and the cello
For more than forty years this cello has been part of Nathan Waks’ musical life.
In this short film he shares the story of the instrument and performs on the cello that is now entering its next chapter.
“This instrument has been my companion for decades. What matters most is that it continues to live on stage.”
The Instrument
Believed to have been crafted by the celebrated Carcassi brothers in Florence around 1740, this master cello represents nearly three centuries of Italian violin-making tradition.
Carcassi instruments are known for their elegant construction and exceptional tonal depth.
The instrument has been professionally appraised by Florian Leonhard MBE, one of the world's leading experts in fine string instruments, with an estimated value of approximately $500,000.
Nathan Waks
For nearly forty years the cello has been owned and performed by Australian cellist Nathan Waks.
Waks studied with legendary cellists Mstislav Rostropovich and Paul Tortelier, joined the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the age of eighteen, and later served as Principal Cello of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Rather than allowing the instrument to be locked away into a private collection, he has chosen to release it release it in a a way which that allows it to continue its life on continue its timeless journey.
The Next Virtuoso
The cello will become the centerpiece of the Classic Cello International Competition, hosted at the Royal College of Music in London.
The winning cellist receives €50,000 and becomes the next custodian of the Carcassi for a minimum of two years.
Through the support of its patrons. It will continue to be heard in concert halls around the world.
Ownership With Purpose
Owning a share in the cello means becoming part of its continuing story.
Rather than owning an object that remains silent, patrons support an instrument that continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike.
Each share represents participation in a living cultural tradition.
The Ownership Opportunity
The cello is offered through fractional ownership.
- 100 ownership shares
- €3,770 per share
- Approximate instrument value €377,000
Ownership is documented through legal share certificates, allowing each patron to fully own, transfer, or gift their share.