STOLEN VIOLA ALERT | Stephan von Baehr Viola Stolen in Italy

Violist Simone von Rahden's instrument and two bows were stolen between the Milano Centrale and Firenze S.M.N Train Stations on August 27, 2021

Simone von Rahden is a member of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and the co-principal viola of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

The theft took place on the train Frecciarossa 9559, Coach 4. The police were notified immediately in addition to "the local violin and bow dealers, the national associations of violin makers of Italy, France, and Germany and a large part of my acquaintances through posts of my students and friends on Facebook and Instagram," Simone explained.

"The shaped BAM case with a floral design (all in black) was covered with a black soft-cover with shoulder straps. There are two black-and-white stickers on it: one from the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and one that says 'Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler.'

"The case also contained my Microsoft "Surface Go" laptop in blue/silver, in an envelope that has my name (pre-and post-marriage) and contact details written on it." The two names are Simone Jandl and Simone von Rahden, respectively.

Details of Simone's belongings include:

Viola

• Viola made in 2005 by Stephan von Baehr Paris (SVB Fine Violins) after a model of Andrea Guarneri. In very fine condition
• Tailpiece and pegs of rosewood
• There is a chinrest of black wood on the viola and a piece of dark leather fixed to the back
• The strings are Evah Pirazzi Gold

Viola & Bow in Case - Courtesy of Simone von Rahden

Viola- Courtesy of Simone von Rahden

Viola- Courtesy of Simone von Rahden

Bow #1

• Viola bow made by Nicolas Maline around 1850, round stick of amourette wood, the frog and button are mounted in ebony/nickle
• The thumb leather has recently been scraped off a bit and the mother of pearl on the bottom of the frog is slightly damaged. The bow is otherwise in very fine condition

Nicolas Maline Bow (1850)- Courtesy of Simone von Rahden

Bow #2

• Viola bow made by James Tubbs, branded W.E.Hill on both sides from around 1870, round pernambuco stick, silver mounted with a fishbone (imitation) winding, in excellent condition.

Tubbs Bow- Courtesy of Simone von Rahden

If anybody comes across any of these listed items, please contact Simone at [email protected].