Peter Weiss donates a rare 1729 Guarneri cello valued at $1.8 million to the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra has received the single most significant gift in its history with the donation of an exceptionally fine and rare cello. Peter Weiss AO, one of Australia’s most committed arts philanthropists and successful businessmen, is the proud donor of the instrument. The cello, made by Giuseppe Guarneri filius Andreæ in 1729, is valued at A$1,800,000.

Mr Weiss has long been a supporter of the arts, maintaining that his passion for music was born of his love for the cello. He purchased the Guarneri in 2007, which was subsequently made available on permanent loan to ACO’s Principal Cello, Timo-Veikko Valve. Now he has donated it to the Orchestra. Made in Cremona, Italy, in what is considered the ‘golden period’ of instrument making, the cello possesses a unique sound that many deem impossible to replicate on its modern counterpart.

Mr Weiss’ identity as the benefactor of this wonderful gift remained confidential until the ACO launched their Instrument Fund in 2011. The Fund was established in order to acquire fine instruments for Orchestra...