News Item: 00030

17th Sep 2007

The Rostropovich-Vishnevskaya Collection bought privately

Source: http://www.sothebys.co.uk

At the request of the family of Galina Vishnevskaya, Sotheby's announced today that the Rostropovich-Vishnevskaya Collection has been acquired privately in its entirety and that the new owner intends to bring the Collection to Russia. The Collection was acquired for an undisclosed sum that was substantially higher than the highest presale expectations. As a result, the auction, which had been scheduled for the 18th-19th September in London, will not take place.

At the request of Sotheby's, the new owner has agreed that the public exhibition at Sotheby's London Salerooms will be extended through 19th September. The Collection will be on public exhibition from the 17th through the 19th September, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

In a letter, Mr. Shvydkoi, the Head of the Russian Federal Agency of Culture and Cinematography (Roskultura), said that "for Russian culture and Russia as a whole, all things relating to the name of Mstislav Rostropovich are invaluable." Mr. Shvydkoi expressed his gratitude to the buyer for purchasing the collection with the intention to bring it to Russia.

Speaking of the sale, the family of Galina Vishnevskaya said: "We are delighted that the Collection is being acquired in its entirety. It is especially meaningful for our family that the new owner will bring it to Russia."