NOW the proud owner of a rare David Tecchler-made cello, Ilir Merxhushi is loving life.
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And things will only get better next week for the well-known Wollongong cellist who will take "great delight" playing the cello for the first time publicly during the Illawarra Choral Society's Sing Gloria concert at Wollongong Town Hall on December 6 from 2pm.
Boccherini's beautiful Cello Concerto in B flat will provide a striking contrast with the choir's performance of two exciting works, Gloria and Magnificat, by contemporary English composer John Rutter. Albanian-born Merxhushi will also play in the ensemble.
Merxhushi said he couldn't believe he owned the cello, made in 1699 by renowned Viennese luthier David Tecchler, whose instruments are sought after around the world.
"There are only two such cellos here in Australia and two others around the world that I know of," he said.
Merxhushi first made the acquaintance of what was to become "his" cello when he learnt that it had been hired for his use by the University of British Columbia, where he had been invited to give master classes and performances.
He immediately fell in love with it and begged the university to hold it until he ascertained whether he could afford to buy it.
As Merxhushi didn't own a house and had no permanent job, it was going to be a long haul.
A generous Illawarra woman (who wishes to remain anonymous) offered to sponsor the purchase, much to the pleasure of Merxhushi.