Renowned Cellist Appeals for Help After Stolen Instruments
In a heartbreaking announcement on her social media accounts, acclaimed cellist Ophélie Gaillard revealed that her prized cello, a Francesco Goffriller from 1737, along with two personal bows, was stolen from her home in Haute-Savoie. The incident occurred on the night of September 24 to 25, as the musician and her family were asleep. Gaillard described the theft as "horrible" and a "catastrophe," emphasizing that the loss felt like having a limb taken away.
The stolen instruments, which were in a dark red flight case, hold significant sentimental and historical value, as the cello is on loan from the CIC bank and is valued at over 1.3 million euros. Gaillard's emotional plea on Instagram included photos of the cello to aid in its recovery. "These rare instruments are identified and traced as works of art, and therefore easily identifiable," she stated, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Previous Theft Experience
This incident is not the first time Gaillard has faced such a distressing situation. In 2018, she was threatened with a knife and had her cello stolen in Pantin, a suburb of Paris. However, thanks to a similar social media appeal, the instrument was recovered the very next day. "I received an anonymous call telling me that my cello was in front of my house in a car," she recalled, expressing hope that history might repeat itself in her current predicament.
The gendarmerie has opened an investigation into the theft, and Gaillard remains hopeful that her plea will lead to the recovery of her beloved instrument.
