On a chilly February evening, musician David López Ibáñez, a member of the Philharmonia orchestra, ended his rehearsal with plans for a casual night out. After a session at work, he and a friend visited a nearby pub for dinner and drinks. In an unfortunate moment, López Ibáñez set his violin, a treasured masterpiece, against a bench nearby while enjoying his meal.
In the blink of an eye, a thief seized the opportunity, snatching the violin case hidden beneath a long coat, and slipped away unnoticed. "It was an unbelievable moment when I realized it was gone," López Ibáñez reflected, describing the profound emotional impact of the loss. "This violin was my companion. I've traveled the world with it for the past eight years."
The stolen instrument was crafted in 1740 by renowned luthier Lorenzo Carcassi in Florence, Italy, and is valued at approximately $200,000, making it irreplaceable. “It felt like my entire world collapsed in that moment,” López Ibáñez shared, emphasizing the significance of the violin beyond its monetary value.
In light of the theft, London police have turned to the public, asking for assistance in their investigation to identify the thief engaged in this egregious act. Both the musician and authorities hope that by spreading awareness, they can reclaim the valuable and cherished instrument.
