“It’s like my leg has been cut off. » The metaphor used by Ophélie Gaillard sums up the visceral attachment of professional musicians to their instruments. On September 25, the famous French cellist launched a call for help on social networks after her instrument, as well as two valuable archers, were stolen from her home during a burglary.
Between 3 and 5 a.m., several criminals managed to enter the musician's home, located near Annecy (Haute-Savoie). They had stolen six paintings estimated at a few thousand euros, some computer equipment, but above all had taken away a unique piece. A cello made in 1737 in Italy by the famous luthier Francesco Goffriller. Two valuable archers had also been stolen from the home of Ophélie Gaillard.
“Everyone even knows about it in Japan. A work of art like this cannot be resold! »
The instrument, estimated at 1.3 million euros, belongs to the CIC bank and is loaned to the cellist as part of her concerts throughout France. “Is this a targeted theft? Or people who don't know the value of the object at all? Impossible to say at the moment,” Ophélie Gaillard then asked our colleagues from France 3.
The musician then appealed to the thieves, ensuring that it was very risky to steal this type of instrument, known to professionals and very difficult to sell: “It is listed within the profession: all archers know that it has disappeared, Ophélie Gaillard assured France 3. Everyone knows about it, even in Japan. A work of art like this cannot be resold! »
Suspects from the Annecy region
Almost two months later, the musician's predictions were confirmed. This Tuesday, investigators from the Haute-Savoie gendarmerie and those from the Chambéry research section arrested three suspects in the burglary… And above all, they found Ophélie Gaillard's cello.
The three burglars, already known to the authorities and originally from the Annecy region, had obviously targeted the musician's home somewhat by chance. Nothing says that they knew the value of the instrument, which they were unable to conceal. After a few checks on the cello's condition – which does not appear damaged – the instrument will therefore be able to find its musician… once again.
Already in 2018, Ophélie Gaillard had her instrument stolen in the Paris region. When she left her house, a hooded man threatened her with a knife to steal her cello and her phone. A few days later, the cello was returned to him. “I received an anonymous call at the end of the morning telling me that my cello was in front of my home in a car,” the musician said at the time. I found him in the back seat. »
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