Happy end: Prized 1714 cello is found in abandoned car

Happy end: Prized 1714 cello is found in abandoned car

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norman lebrecht

January 25, 2016

An Antonio Domenicelli cello that was left in the owner’s car, which was stolen last November in Glendale, California, has been found safe and well in the car, which was parked on a residential street for two months.

Neighbour called the police, who identified the vehicle and returned it to Hollywood session musician Cameron Stone with the cello unharmed.

There must be a lesson in there, somewhere.

glendale cello

 

Comments

  • Jeff says:

    And who propped it up on the chair like that? The same guy that left it in his car?

    • Pamela Frame says:

      That is exactly what my first reaction was. If at first the cello isn’t ruined, try, try again. NEVER, EVER leave a cello in that position.

  • Andrew Condon says:

    Unbelievable. Lucky for the owner its been found but he could well have invalidated a potential insurance claim through such carelessness. Simple tip – never ever leave instruments unattended in a vehicle.

    • Robert says:

      A locked car is a more secure place than most and surely a realistic insurance policy can not require that the object be personally attended 24/7.

      Would he have to take it with him grocery shopping?

      • bratschegirl says:

        Many instrument insurance policies state specifically that theft from an unattended vehicle, whether locked or not, is not covered. That’s not the same as saying that the instrument can never be unattended. I’ve had my viola in my grocery cart many times, acknowledging, of course, that a cello is significantly more unwieldy in that situation. The temptation to leave it in the car “just this once” can be overwhelming, especially if it’s late and one is tired. I just remind myself how much terribly hard work, not to mention emotional devastation, would come from losing and having to replace my treasured equipment, and after that the few minutes’ inconvenience of taking it in with me seems a small enough price to pay.

        I’m delighted to hear of a story like this with a happy ending!

        • Robert says:

          “Many instrument insurance policies state specifically that theft from an unattended vehicle, whether locked or not, is not covered.”

          But leaving it at home would be OK?

          That is probably not a rational clause since homes are burglarized 3X as often as cars are stolen in the US.

      • Pamela Frame says:

        Yes, at home is safer than a locked car. Yes, you are supposed to take it into the grocery store with you. We all do it.

  • Brian Hughes says:

    Leaving a 300-yo instrument in the car? Really? It seems as though we musicians truly are not very intelligent. Of course, the incident happened in California. Wouldn’t happen in Iowa in November, if only for the weather.

  • Marg says:

    Damn lucky!

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