Everyone knows that there is a special place in hell for accordion thieves. Especially thieves that steal rare Dallape SuperMaestro accordions that were once owned by famous Bulgarian accordionist Ivan Milev!
On Sunday, December 9 at approximately 12:45 p.m. CSUN Department of Music lecturer Gee Rabe's vintage Dallape SuperMaestro accordion was stolen from the trunk of hisher car as she was preparing for a performance at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Rabe had no idea that her practice session earlier that day was to be the last time she would ever play his accordion.
The trunk was slightly ajar when Rabe stepped several cars away to talk to her fellow band members. When she returned to the car, the trunk was completely closed and, once opened, Rabe discovered her accordion missing, as well as a music bag full of miscellaneous equipment. According to Rabe the stolen accordion is a scarcely found instrument, probably from the 1950s, estimated to be worth over $10,000.
“What is particularly special about the instrument was that it was previously owned by the famous Bulgarian accordionist Ivan Milev, who recently sold the instrument to me because he was impressed with my Bulgarian accordion playing,” Rabe said. “I am heartbroken because this was a beautiful instrument with a history. It is part of my livelihood – part of my life is subsidized through playing music. I doubt it could ever be replaced.”
Rabe contacted the Weekly for help with solving this crime yesterday and we were obliged to be of service.
So, if you have any information about the missing accordion please call 888-650-3972 or email Gi*******@cs**.edu. An award is being offered for either the return of the instrument or information that leads directly to its return.
