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BBC Presents Documentary on the Theft and Recovery of the Lipinski Stradivarius Violin

Though many stories have hit the hearts of classical music lovers in 2014, none shocked people as much as the theft and recovery of the Lipinski Stradivarius violin. Now, BBC will broadcast a documentary called "The Lipinski," detailing the events which lead to this worldwide news sensation.The story begins with Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Frank Almond, who walked out of Wisconsin performances with the rare Lipinski Stradivarius slung over his shoulder. At this point, a man got out of a van in the parking lot, tased Almond and stole the violin. The Strad, which was made by a 17th- and 18th-century Italian luthier named Antonio Stradivari, is said to be worth $5 million to $6 million. The reason for this high asking price is because there are only about 650 left in the world.Days went by without a trace of the Lipinski Stradivarius, which was on loan to Almond. The Milwaukee Police Department and the FBI worked quickly. At a local news conference one week after the theft, Police Chief Edward Flynn announced that they had safely recovered the Lapinski Strad. They had discovered it, undamaged, in a suitcase in an attic. Two men were arrested, including the mastermind behind the theft, who pleaded guilty this month to felony robbery.
By Jaime Prisco

  • [UPDATE] Mica Levi, Composer of the Jonathan Glazer Film 'Under the Skin' Starring Scarlett Johansson, Conducts Live Orchestra in Screening and Film Score

    Mica Levi, the indie composer who hit it big with the score for the Jonathan Glazer film "Under the Skin" starring Scarlett Johansson, will team up with Wordless Music teams Spaceland Presents for the U.S. premiere of "Under the Skin Live": a full screening and live film score with orchestra.Levi, the score’s original composer, will conduct and lead the 25-piece orchestra, which comprises members of Los Angeles's pioneering ensemble, wild Up, and New York's Wordless Music Orchestra.Levi, 27, who recently won a European Film Award for best composer for the film, was working on her third album with her band, Michachu and the Shapes, when she got a call asking if she wanted to work with filmmaker Glazer on a new project. The project was a film he was directing called "Under the Skin."
    By Jaime Prisco

  • Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Detroit Public Television Host New Year's Eve Party

    Still can’t decide what to do for New Year’s Eve? The Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Detroit Public Television are hosting the first DPTV-DSO Live from Orchestra Hall gala and concert. Even if you cannot make it to the concert hall, you can tune into the show at home or watch online!The special broadcast will be hosted by DPTV’s Fred Nahhat and the host of Michigan Public Radio’s "All Things Considered," Jennifer White. The event is a black-tie affair.Led by the DSO’s Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, the orchestra will perform a swinging combination of jazz standards like “Sweet Georgia Brown” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’” featuring jazz trumpet legend Byron Stripling and organist Bobby Floyd, as well as light classical selections by Strauss and Smetana.Guests will be invited to sing along with a full orchestral performance of “Auld Lang Syne,” making the audience literally part of the show. The party will continue following the concert with a choice of traditional dance band, jazz lounge and dance club atmospheres throughout The Max.
    By Jaime Prisco