Violinist to Serenade Taxi Driver

Concert at Newark airport for cabbie who returned $4M Strad

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted May 6, 2008 11:13 AM CDT

(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.”

Philippe Quint (Philippequint.com)

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)

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)

Philippe Quint

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Violinist to Serenade Taxi Driver

Concert at Newark airport for cabbie who returned $4M Strad

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Violinist to Serenade Taxi Driver

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

New Jersey • classical music • violin • taxi driver • generosity • Newark airport • Stradivarius violin

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Stradivarius' Powers Just a Musical Myth

Researchers show that even pro musicians can't tell the difference

'Beckham of Classical Music' Is Hit on Charts, With Ladies

David Garrett loves Metallica, sets world records

$1.9M Stradivarius Stolen at Sandwich Shop

Two pricey bows were also in the case

GPS Rescues $600K Violin Left in NYC Cab

Technology 'cut the driver out of the picture,' says taxi boss

The Secret of the Strad's Superiority

Scientist find mellow tone is in the wood

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