A five string pre-war German cello with magnetic pickups was stolen in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on February 24. It is a one-of-a-kind instrument. The label reads “Rufus Cappadocia New York.” Cappadocia, a professional jazz musician, is asking for the eyes of all New Yorkers–and people around the globe–to be on the lookout for his instrument. He’s encouraged by a talk he had with an NYPD detective, but the cello remains missing.
Cappadocia writes stirringly about the “humble origins” of his cello, which a friend found in the garbage in 1983. It was 15 years before it was finally ready to be played–repaired and recarved by “wizard” luthier Louis Gaucher in Montreal and given a new neck by Cappadocia. Even after this, this resilient cello was crushed twice in separate incidents, and each time lovingly restored. Cappadocia has played this cello all over the world. If you see it or hear anything about it, please contact the NYPD.
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