A Chicago musician is hoping for the return of a violin made in 1758 that was stolen from her family’s home while they slept.
Minghaun Xu said the instrument was made by a renowned Italian luthier and lent to him by a private sponsor 20 years ago. He was taken away with a newer violin and his son’s cello.
“Losing this violin is like losing a family member,” Xu said. “It’s like losing my own voice. The violin itself has lost a voice, the violin needs to be played. And my heart is broken.”
Xu is a member of the Roosevelt University School of Music and performs with a University of Chicago ensemble.
Xu said she did not believe her home was the target of Wednesday morning’s burglary because of her instrument.
The violin, which is insured, has more sentimental value than its monetary value, Xu said.
“What I can tell you is that it’s not replaceable, something like that is not replaceable, and it’s beyond its price tag,” she said. “There is so much sentimental value in this. It was made in 1758 and sometimes I think of all the stories the violin has, of all the musicians and violinists who have played it before me.
NBC Chicago
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