Stradivarius instruments will be displayed, played at UI

CHAMPAIGN – The Stradivarius Marylebone cello, known as Mr. Cello to commercial airlines, has racked up 10,000 frequent-flyer miles. But Mr. Cello didn't need them Tuesday for his flight from Washington, D.C., to Champaign.

Mr. Cello – plus a decorated Stradivarius viola and two Strad violins – traveled to Willard Airport on a Falcon 2000 jet owned by Sheila Johnson, a 1970 alumna of the University of Illinois School of Music. The Axelrod Quartet of instruments, which belongs to the Smithsonian Institution, is on display through Dec. 3 at the Krannert Art Museum, marking the first time the set has been shown in the Midwest or at any university.

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