300-Year-Old Cello Stolen for a Second Time In Home Burglary

French cellist Ophélie Gaillard’s cello and bows were stolen in a home burglary last week. The almost 300-year-old instrument is valued at €1.3 Million Euros.

Driving the news: Last week, the French cellist Ophélie Gaillard announced on social media that her cello and two bows had been stolen in the middle of the night. The theft took place on September 25th while she and her family were asleep at home. Gaillard’s cello was made by Francesco Goffriller in 1737 and her bows in Paris in the 19th century. Both have been loaned to Gaillard by the CIC bank for the past twenty years. The thieves also made off with money and electronics, including an Ipad.

In case you missed it…: This is the second time Gaillard’s 1737 cello has been stolen. In Paris in 2018, she was threatened with a knife by a thief who made off with the cello. The instrument was returned to her miraculeusement by an anonymous Facebook user. The double theft has led some to believe Gaillard’s cello was targeted, and the gendarmerie have opened an inquiry. Those with leads can write to opheliecello@gmail.com.

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Sara Schabas

Sara Schabas is a Dora-nominated soprano, writer and yoga teacher. She has performed and created leading roles with companies including Vancouver Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria, the Dayton Opera, and Aspen Opera, and is a former member of Barbara Hannigan’s Equilibrium Young Artists. Currently based in Montreal, she is a doctoral student at McGill University — where she recently received the Wirth Vocal Prize — and editor of Art Song Canada magazine.