A rare violin stolen last week out of a parked car is the latest in a string of high-priced instrument thefts to hit San Francisco. The instrument, as is often the case, caries emotional significance to its owner above and beyond the (rather high) monetary valuation. This particular violin played a part in some Bay Area history as well, as it can be heard on the original Star Wars soundtrack.
Greg Mazmanian told ABC 7 that he's had the violin for 40 years, and that he didn't know if his car was specifically targeted for the violin or it was just bad luck.
"When people talk about violin they say it's a tool of the trade," noted Mazmanian. "It's not just a tool of the trade, it's really our voice."
The instrument is a reproduction of a 1740 Kreisler Bergonzi violin.
Mazmanian was parked at a restaurant in Harding Park when his car was burglarized. He had just finished playing at a family funeral, he explained to the news channel.
"I used this instrument when I played with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles."
The funeral was for Mazmanian's aunt, notes NBC Bay Area, and the last piece he played on the violin before its theft was “Ave Maria.”
“Just an emptiness," he said in describing his feeling to NBC. "You know, cut off my arm, take away my voice there you go, that’s how it feels.”
Anyone with information regarding the theft can call the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line at (415) 575-4444.
Related: $15,000 Violin Stolen Out Of Car Parked On Webster Street
