Classical Notes: January 10, 2009 Archive

Priceless violins left on public transit

Posted at 5:27 AM on January 10, 2009 by Gillian Martin

I understand how it could happen. You fall asleep on the bus or the train, wake up, realize you've arrived at your destination, and groggily hop off before you miss your stop.

It happened to British violinist Michael Kellett on a train in India in late December. But unfortunately in his rush to get off, he left behind some very precious cargo: two violins, one made in 1699, the other in 1880, and 3 bows, one of which was (gulp) gold-plated.

Police are staking out antique shops, etc., but I don't find any stories yet that anything has been recovered.

It makes me glad I'm a singer...