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MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT 2: Rare Violin Returned

A rare violin, with an estimated value of nearly $1 million, is to be returned to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra 21 years after it went missing.

The violin was made in 1725 by renowned Italian instrument-maker, Antonio Stradivari. The instrument had been presumed stolen since 1985 and the orchestra had settled an insurance claim believing it would never be recovered.

A specialist in musical instruments at Bonhams--one of the largest auction houses in the world--came across the violin and, after extensive investigation, it was confirmed to be one of only about 600 instruments made by Stradivari. Preparations were then made for its sale at auction in spring 2005.

But the Dallas Symphony Orchestra heard about the sale and wondered if this was the missing violin. When research confirmed that it was, the current owner agreed to return the instrument to the orchestra and arrangements have been made to send the violin back within the next month.

Philip Scott, Director of Bonhams’ Musical Instruments department, expressed his delight: “We are all winners here.”

“To have played such a major role in the returning this legendary instrument to its original owner is a source of much pride for Bonhams in the US and the UK,” he continued.

Concert-goers are sure to agree as Stradivari violins are revered by musicians and instrument-makers for their rich tonal quality.

--Written by Kate Day

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