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May 17, 2008 12:33:48 AM CDT

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Violinist to Serenade Taxi Driver  

Posted May 6, 08 11:13 AM CDT in US,  Arts & Living    Editor's Choice

(newser) – When violin virtuoso Philippe Quint left a 1723 Antonio Stradivari “Ex-Kiesewetter” in a New Jersey taxi two weeks ago, he was distraught: The $4 million instrument was not only irreplaceable, it was on loan. But the cab driver returned the violin next morning, and today, in gratitude, the Grammy-nominated musician will perform a private concert—at the Newark airport cab stand.

Quint originally gave the cab driver, a 57-year-old Egyptian immigrant, $100, and has since arranged for free tickets to his Carnegie Hall performance in September. The city gave him a medal. “I was going to give him everything: my leg, my arm,” Quint said. “This violin is my heart and soul. It’s everything—and it’s not mine.”

Sources Associated Press, Buffalo News

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Violinist to Serenade Taxi Driver
Philippe Quint   (Philippequint.com)
Violinist to Serenade Taxi Driver
Mohamed Khalil, a taxi driver and owner, holds a medal from the city of Newark, N.J., that was presented to him during a ceremony outside City Hall on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, in Newark, N.J.   (AP Photo/Mike Derer)
Violinist to Serenade Taxi Driver
Mohamed Khalil, a taxi driver, displays a medal from the city of Newark, N.J., April 23, 2008. Khalil returned a violin valued at $4 million that was on loan to virtuoso violinist Philippe Quint.   (AP Photo/Mike Derer)
Violinist to Serenade Taxi Driver
Philippe Quint   ()
Violinist to Serenade Taxi Driver
Philippe Quint   ()
Violinist to Serenade Taxi Driver
Philippe Quint   ()
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New Jersey  • classical music  • violin  • taxi driver  • Newark airport  • Stradivarius violin  • generosity


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