Monets and Picassos weren’t the only priceless works of art in our tenth-floor galleries the evening of 3 May. Sotheby’s had the honour of hosting a 300-year-old Italian Stradivarius and its world-renowned owner, violinist Joshua Bell. In front of an intimate gathering of collectors and accompanied flawlessly by pianist Alessio Bax, the Grammy award-winning virtuoso played four compositions, each inspired by works in our upcoming Impressionist & Modern Art Evening sale. Along with Simon Shaw, Sotheby’s Co-Head, Worldwide, Impressionist & Modern Art, Bell talked about the dynamic between the selected works and music, offering a fresh take on both art forms. The spellbound audience listened to Bell’s masterly performance, which concluded with a standing ovation. Click ahead to see how the artful evening unfolded. –Stephanie Sporn