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Source-linked reporting
wunc.org
NPR reports by David Kestenbaum about whether a Stradivarius violin’s value is due to its sound or the brand, noting a 2010 blind test and a repeat with better conditions that found no reliable ability to distinguish old Stradivaris from newer violins; the piece mentions Sotheby’s anticipated sale of a Stradivari-related viola for $45 million and includes reflections from violinist John Soloninka and Earl Carlyss as cited by the New York Times.
venezuelasinfonica.com
The Amati violin from the 18th century that belonged to Benito Mussolini did not sell at a Bonhams auction in London, failing to meet the minimum bid. The instrument, made in Italy around 1700 by Hieronymus Amati, was valued between 122,000 and 185,000 euros but remained unsold.
ici.radio-canada.ca
Radio-Canada reports that the Sûreté du Québec and the RCMP found two violins in Montréal, including one that may be a Stradivarius dating to 1685. The owner, who remains anonymous, paid 56,000 dollars for both instruments, which are now with the police; a suspect around 50 years old faces possible charges as the investigation continues.
reuters.com
Reuters reports that a 1731 Kreutzer Stradivarius violin, once owned by reclusive U.S. heiress Huguette Clark, could fetch as much as $10 million at Christie's in a sealed bid auction. The instrument, found after decades in a closet, is part of Clark's estate and is among high-value musical instruments discussed along with a 1719 Stradivari viola valued at $45 million in Sotheby’s sealed bid auction.
digi24.ro
Digi24 reports that a Stradivarius violin, one of the world’s most valuable instruments, arrived in Oradea and is guarded constantly by three security agents. The instrument, created about 300 years ago and purchased by the Romanian state in 1955, is insured for one million euros and transported with maximum security. Violinist Alexandru Tomescu and pianist Eduard Kunz are involved in upcoming performances.”
wthr.com
The article reports that members of Time for Three and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Zach De Pue were briefly unable to bring their violins on a flight, prompting a protest performance; after social media attention, the airline reassessed and re-booked them with their instruments on board.
cnn.com
CNN reports that a violin valued at more than $250,000, played by Zachary De Pue, led to him being bumped from a flight. The incident occurred at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the violin is described as priceless, prompting a viral video.
themoscowtimes.com
The Moscow Times reports that Interpol assistance is being sought to locate the owner of an antique Stradivarius-labeled violin seized in a police raid in Russia. Investigators from the Tver region say the instrument was found during a raid on a man suspected of robberies; experts later concluded it is of German origin from the late 19th century, despite Stradivari labels.
torontosun.com
Toronto Sun reports that Universal Knowledge Allah, 36, pleaded guilty to felony robbery in Milwaukee County Circuit Court for stealing the Lipinski Stradivarius, a 1715 violin valued at about $5 million, from concert violinist Frank Almond after a stun gun was used; Salah Jones, 42, pleaded not guilty to the robbery charge, and Allah’s sentencing is set for July 24.
naviny.by
The Belarusian news site reports thatInterpol is searching for the owner of a rare Stradivari violin after Russian police recovered the instrument from a criminal group in Tver Oblast. The instrument was found in the leader's residence and described with details suggesting it is a 19th century German manufacture, with a crack and red lacquer, lacking several fittings; experts from the Glinka Music Museum concluded it dates to the late 19th century.
apnews.com
Dinesh Ramde reports that Universal K. Allah, 36, pleaded guilty to providing the stun gun used in the January theft of a $5 million Stradivarius violin from a Milwaukee concert master. Salah Salahadyn is charged with felony robbery and has a June 30 plea hearing; the violin was recovered nine days after the robbery.
benningviolins.com
Benning Violins announces a three-day viola exhibit titled The Viola: An Exhibition of Sound, Form and Beauty to run June 12–14, 2014 in Los Angeles, California, coinciding with the 2014 Primrose International Viola Competition. The event will showcase rare violas and viola bows from old and modern masters, with Benning displaying one of his own violas.
gramophone.co.uk
The Gramophone orchestral review covers Tigran Mansurian's Quasi parlando for cello and string orchestra, performed by Amsterdam Sinfonietta with Candida Thompson conducting, and featuring Anja Lechner (cello) and Patricia Kopatchinskaja (violin). The release details list ECM New Series as label, genre Orchestral, and catalogue 481 0667, with a 71-minute runtime. The review discusses Double Concerto for Violin, Cello and String Orchestra, Romance for Violin and String Orchestra, Quasi parlando for Cello and String Orchestra, and Concerto No 2 Four Serious Songs as part of the program.