Famous $11M cello makes its way to Saskatoon

Music fans will get a chance to hear a special instrument at a Saskatoon concert tomorrow night.

Arnold Choi will be bringing his more than 300-year-old Stradivarius cello to a concert at the University of Saskatchewan.

The cello is on a three-year-loan from the Canada Council for the Arts.

Choi won the right to play the instrument by competing against people from across the country.

"My goal is to play as much as possible in Canada, and to allow as many audiences as possible to enjoy this beautiful instrument," said Choi.

The price tag on such a prestigious instrument is steep. The cello is valued at $11 million dollars.

"You try not to think about the value too much, because otherwise you'll just get scared and you won't use the instrument to its full potential," he said.

Needless to say, Choi is very careful when travelling with the Stradivarius.

"I treat it like a newborn baby," he said. "I always have it with me, and if I ever take flights, I buy extra seats for it."

Pianist Samuel Deason brought Choi to Saskatoon to perform.

"He's an extraordinary musician," said Deason. "I really, really hope from the bottom of my heart hope the people of Saskatoon have the enjoyment I did after hearing him."

Choi will be performing Thursday night alongside Deason, Rhea Kim and the Caspian Trio. The recital will be held at the University of Saskatchewan's Convocation Hall at 7 pm.