World-class fiddler loses ‘treasured violin’ to Portland thieves
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas arrived in Portland November 13, a day before their scheduled concert at Alberta Rose Theatre. It was the last stop on their tour and they stopped for breakfast, then planned to see the sites of the city.
But the day turned out much differently than the world-renowned Scottish fiddle player planned.
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They came out to find someone had broken into their car, parked at SW 10th and Taylor, and stole all their musical equipment and suitcases at some point between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
“Every single thing in the car was taken: Two suitcases, a cello and a massive flight case and my violin and a big bag of equipment,” Fraser told KOIN 6 News.
“So at this point we are missing the violin, my treasured violin, all my microphone equipment and Natalie’s suitcase,” Fraser said. “Most of my luggage and Natalie’s suitcase is gone.”
Fraser, 68, played that violin since he was 8. He knows nothing else.
“It feels like I lost a limb”
— World renowned fiddler Alasdair Fraser
“It’s a very odd feeling. It feels like I lost a limb,” he told KOIN 6 News. “It’s going to take me time to piece together all the parts. It’s the case. It’s all the equipment, the microphone — all of that is gone.”
Losing an instrument goes beyond the cost. Fraser developed a special bond with his instruments.
“They are dear friends. It takes years to find the instruments that you love. There’s 2 bows that I’ve had forever, you know, and I love them. Same with the violin.”
The show was able to go on, he said, because of the generosity of many people. But he hopes to get his things back. Someone did return Haas’ cello.
They’re offering a reward for the safe return of the stolen items: 530.913.3345.
Portland police continue to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call PPB regarding case number 23-295890.
KOIN 6 News will have more information later.
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