The bows and instrument, stolen on 13 November, were recovered by the David Kerr Violin Shop
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On 13 November 2023, tens of thousands of pounds worth of instruments and equipment were stolen from the rental vehicle of Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas during their tour, when the pair had stopped for breakfast in Portland, Oregon.
Among the stolen items were Haas’s cello, Fraser’s Jay Haide violin, and four violin bows by André Richaume à Paris, David Forbes of Miami, a French 19th-century gold mounted bow and another unidentified bow. The thieves also took a suitcase and the duo’s sound equipment.
Within an hour of the robbery, Haas’s cello was fortunately recovered by a man who had bought the instrument from the alleged thief for $40. The rest of the items, however, remained missing until 6 December, when the violin was brought to the David Kerr Violin Shop. Not realising it was stolen property, the shop paid for the instrument by cheque, which was soon cancelled when the violin was recognised as belonging to Fraser. The fiddler was contacted immediately, and he flew back to Portland to be reunited with his violin on 7 December. The instrument was still in its original case, with all of Fraser’s bows but no other items.
‘A miracle!’ Fraser released in a statement. ‘Everything else was gone but I am very, very happy to be reunited with these trusty music makers! Big thanks to all at David Kerr Violin Shop, especially Esther Shim!’
Anyone with tips relating to the case is encouraged to email crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 23-295890.
Read: Missing: violin, bows and musical equipment in Portland, Oregon
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