In an unfortunate turn of events, the rich history of brigandage and highway robbery in Italy has resurfaced, impacting the world of classical music. Mikhail Pletnev, the acclaimed pianist, fell victim to a daring theft as his exclusively designed Shigeru Kawai grand piano was stolen while in transit to Palermo for his upcoming concerts.
The incident unfolded as a truck transporting the bespoke instrument was targeted, reminiscent of a time when highway robbery was more commonplace. Despite the truck being recovered by the police a mere 1.5 kilometers away from the scene, the Shigeru Kawai grand piano, a custom creation for Pletnev, was mysteriously missing.
This particular instrument holds special significance, being one of only two hand-crafted pianos made for Pletnev in Hamamatsu, Japan. Revered for its unique design and superior craftsmanship, the piano has been a constant companion to the virtuoso, accompanying him on his global musical journey—until now.
The theft not only raises concerns about the safety of transporting high-value musical instruments but also highlights the vulnerability of artists and their prized possessions. The Shigeru Kawai grand piano, a symbol of artistic expression and technical precision, now finds itself in the hands of thieves, leaving Pletnev and the music community in shock.
As the investigation into the incident unfolds, the fate of this exceptional instrument remains uncertain. The loss not only poses a challenge for Pletnev’s upcoming concerts but also underscores the need for heightened security measures when transporting irreplaceable musical instruments with cultural and artistic significance. The international music community anxiously awaits updates on the recovery of this stolen masterpiece, hoping for the safe return of Pletnev’s cherished piano.
