Stradivarius cello owned by L.A. Phil is stolen

A $3.5-million Stradivarius cello owned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic has been stolen from a home in Los Feliz. No other items were taken.

The instrument, played by Philharmonic principal cellist Peter Stumpf, was last seen Saturday and was stolen either late Saturday night or early Sunday morning, said Deborah Borda, president of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Assn.

The cello, built in 1684, is known as the “General Kyd,” after the man who brought it to England at the end of the 18th century.

“I loved playing on this cello,” Stumpf said Tuesday. “It was a sheer joy, it has seemingly unlimited expressive range. It opens up all kinds of doors artistically to someone who plays it.

“I’ve had a pretty long career, and I never expected to play on an instrument of this level,” added the cellist, who has borrowed another instrument from a colleague for the time being. “I was on a high for the past two years, playing this cello. I feel kind of desperate about being able to play it again.”

“It is very emotional for Peter, but it is also emotional for the association,” Borda said of the cello, which the orchestra purchased in the early 1970s. “The premiere of the Dvorak Cello Concerto in England was performed on this piece in 1896.” She said that musical dealers worldwide have been notified, meaning that it would be virtually impossible to sell.

Anyone with information on the missing cello may call Los Angeles Police Department Det. Donald Hrycyk at (213) 485-2524. Anonymous tips can be directed to a hotline, (213) 972-3500. The cello may also be returned, no questions asked, at the artists’ entrance of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave.