Edvin Marton plays 1699 Stradivarius violin for local students

MALIBU, Calif. (KABC) -- A world-renowned violinist brought a unique opportunity to some local students. His resume is impressive, but it was his violin that had jaws dropping.

Edvin Marton began playing the violin when he was just 5 years old and has performed all over the world. He recently entertained students at Our Lady of Malibu School, one of the smaller audiences he's played for.

"It had a much nicer ring than a lot of the other violins. That's probably because of the aged wood," said student Grace Colburn, who is learning to play the violin as well. "I can hear certain things that other people can't, like the tone and vibration of the strings and everything."

But the Italian-made Stradivarius violin that Marton brought with him isn't like the one that Colburn has at home. Marton's violin requires its own private security. Built in 1699, it's more 300 years old and valued at $7 million.

"That's kind of scary. I was actually afraid he was going to drop it," said Colburn.

More than 200 orchestras and violinists applied, but Marton says he was the lucky one who was awarded the $7 million instrument from the German-based Violin Assets Company.

"It's in incredible condition," said Marton.

The violin is his to play for the next 10 years.

"It's like super neat that he's one of the people that's able to play that violin," said student Liam Mudd.

Marton hopes the students were able to connect with his music.

"It was wonderful to be here with kids. They're our future," said Marton.

Marton will play the 1699 Stradivarius violin at the Valley Performing Art Center's Plaza del Sol at the CSUN University Student Union on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.edvinmarton.com.