Violinist David López Ibáñez with the missing instrument

A LONDON Philharmonia violinist is appealing for information after his 300-year-old violin was stolen from a Canonbury pub.

David López Ibáñez, 30, was at the Marquess Tavern for the first time since moving to Islington just two weeks ago, when his violin was taken last Tuesday.

Mr López Ibáñez had had the violin for eight years, and told the Tribune he has been in shock and is struggling to sleep.

He said: “I know that this instrument may not return, and maybe there is a chance that I will fall in love with another instrument in the future.

“But obviously that doesn’t take away from the fact that currently I am still shocked about it being taken away; I was not ready for this ever happening.

“Nothing can prepare you for this, really.”

The distinctive, heart-shaped hole carved into the peg box

The violin was made in 1740 in Florence, and was on loan to Mr López Ibáñez, a professional musician who has toured globally and never encountered trouble before. He said it is normal for musicians to carry their instruments around, having to use them every day for rehearsals and shows.

Mr López Ibáñez was forced to cancel a concert the day after the violin was taken, but was able to use a different instrument to perform with the London Philharmonia last Thursday. He said: “It felt like a nightmare, to be honest.

“But at the same time I was feeling so blessed that I could play music on a different violin, that felt very strange, but I was able to partake in music.”

Mr López Ibáñez has not played the violin since that concert.

He added: “I know I will be able to play again eventually, but it really is so unsettling.

“And also just the worry, the sheer worry of where is it, how is it?”

His story has been covered nationally, but Mr López Ibáñez hopes talking to the Tribune will increase local awareness, perhaps leading to someone finding his violin. The instrument has a distinctive, heart-shaped hole carved in the peg box, which makes the violin mistakable, Mr López Ibáñez said.

“I have to keep going,” he added. “The show must go on, as they say.”

If anyone has any information about the violin’s whereabouts, contact davidviolin94@gmail.com