“Musician Myrna Herzog posted images of her viola da gamba and the damage it sustained after an Alitalia flight from Rio de Janiero to Tel Aviv” on January 3, reports Maddy Shaw Roberts at Monday’s (1/8) ClassicFM.com (U.K.). “The instrument, which Ms. Herzog says is worth $200,000 (£148,000), was shown smashed in the photograph inside its case, which was also damaged” when she retrieved it at baggage claim. “Ms. Herzog posted the photos to Facebook, along with the message: ‘… this is how Alitalia delivered to me my original 17th century Lewis viola da gamba … it was savagely vandalized.’ The airline has now issued a statement: ‘We regret what happened with Mrs. Myrna Herzog and we are carrying out all necessary investigations. However, generally speaking, we would like to remind that for all bags exceeding the size limits allowed for cabin bags … such as the musical instrument mentioned, it is necessary to purchase an extra seat during the booking procedure in case the passenger intends to avoid checking-in such delicate and/or valuable items.… Alitalia deeply regrets what happened to Mrs. Herzog and will proceed, having established the facts, with the reimbursement in compliance with the international regulations in force.’ ”
Click here for resources and information from the League of American Orchestras concerning domestic aviation rules on travel with musical instruments.”
Posted January 11, 2018
