Who are the highest paid artists?

[Beale]

Some years ago I read that the highest paid violinists were Annie-Sophie Mutter, Nigel Kennedy and Maxim Vengerov, in that order. Not sure if this is still current.

Turning to today's pianists, who would be the highest paid and most sought after? I imagine artists like Lang Lang, Argerich, Kissin and Perahia would be in contention.

[Sammy]

Some years ago I read that the highest paid violinists were Annie-Sophie Mutter, Nigel Kennedy and Maxim Vengerov, in that order. Not sure if this is still current.

Turning to today's pianists, who would be the highest paid and most sought after? I imagine artists like Lang Lang, Argerich, Kissin and Perahia would be in contention.

I don't know the answers but assume that Lang Lang tops them all.

[KeithW]

The 'On an overgrown path' blog has focussed on this from time time to time.  The following link will take you to a post which will provide further links to other posts and relevant items.

It's difficult to gather much data from this, but some of the issues may be of interest:

http://www.overgrownpath.com/2011/08/are-top-musicians-sharing-financial.html

[Beale]

I don't know the answers but assume that Lang Lang tops them all.

He was my first guess too, but when I google the subject of concert pianist earnings, some knowledgeable person claims that he is not the highest. Argerich is the other possibility, but isn't she infamous for cancelling concerts at short notice? She canceled her appearances with our Sydney Symphony Orchestra twice in recent years.