French cellist Ophélie Gaillard had her instrument, a Francesco Gofriller from 1737, stolen during the burglary of her home this week in Haute-Savoie. The theft took place in the middle of the night while the occupants of the premises were sleeping.
A cello estimated at 1.3 million euros
Contacted by Classical Radiothe musician said to herself “desperate”. “He has been my life companion for almost 20 years”she confided. A companion who had already been stolen from him in 2018. Finally, after a call for help, the instrument was returned to him two days later. It is estimated at 1.3 million euros according to information from Franceinfo .
“It is an instrument of great value, […] a work of art. There is a lot of financial speculation around these collectible instruments”explained the musician to Classic Radio. However, this cello is “unsaleable” since listed with luthiers and resellers. In the burglary, his bows dating from the 19th century were also stolen. Just like computer equipment and money.
Call for help
As in 2018, the musician launched a call for help on social networks. “Please view the photos below and pass on the information as quickly and widely as possible”she asks Internet users. “All my colleagues are aware of the seriousness of this theft. The musicians, the luthiers, everyone in the community relayed well”she rejoices to our colleagues at Franceinfo.
Deprived of her instrument, Ophélie Gaillard was unable to be present, Wednesday September 25, at the European Institute of Jewish Music in Paris where she was to give a recital with all of the Swiss Cellists. Without her cello, she will also not be able to play on the two albums scheduled for recording this fall.
