Reward to be offered for Stolen Lipinski Stradivarius
$100,000 reward offered for information leading to the safe return of the violin
MILWAUKEE (January 31, 2014) – The Milwaukee Police Department continues to investigate the theft of the 1715 Stradivarius violin, which occurred on Monday, January 27, 2014, around 10:20 PM during an armed robbery of Frank Almond following a concert at the Wisconsin Lutheran College. A $100,000 reward will be offered to anyone who can provide information which results in the safe return of the stolen Lipinski Stradivarius.
Tips or leads can be directed to the Milwaukee Police Department at (414) 935-7360, or to the MSO at (414) 226-7838.
“The MSO family would like to express our gratitude for the outpouring of support we, and our concertmaster Frank Almond, have received following an armed robbery in which the Lipinski Stradivarius was stolen,” said Mark Niehaus, president and executive director of the MSO. “We are hopeful that this reward will aid in the recovery of this priceless treasure so that it may be enjoyed by Milwaukee’s cultural community and the international arts world for years to come.”
“As the Milwaukee Police Department continues its expansive investigation into this crime, we welcome the assistance that the reward announced today is sure to provide,” Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn said.
The Lipinski Stradivarius has been on indefinite loan to Almond from an anonymous owner, and was secured according to industry standard at the time of the robbery.
Further information regarding this investigation will be announced as it becomes available.
ABOUT THE MSO
Ranked among the top orchestras in the country, the MSO is the largest cultural institution in Wisconsin. Since its inception in 1959, the orchestra has received critical acclaim for artistic excellence. The orchestra’s full-time professional musicians perform more than 135 concerts each season. A cornerstone organization in Milwaukee’s arts community, the MSO provides enrichment and education activities for audiences of every age, economic status, and background.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
