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Cellist Fears Losing Priceless Stradivarius Amid Travel Woes

1/17/2026

38 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Steven Isserlis, the British cellist, fears losing the 1726 Stradivarius Marquis de Corberon, which the Royal Academy of Music owns and loans to him.
The instrument requires its own seat on flights due to its value.
The loan agreement imposes strict conditions, and Isserlis jokes that it is a "loan for life."
Airline check-in challenges persist, but Isserlis remains devoted to the cello.

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Story summary

Steven Isserlis, the British cellist, fears losing the 1726 Stradivarius Marquis de Corberon, which the Royal Academy of Music owns and loans to him.
The instrument requires its own seat on flights due to its value.
The loan agreement imposes strict conditions, and Isserlis jokes that it is a "loan for life."
Airline check-in challenges persist, but Isserlis remains devoted to the cello.