By Louisa Cleave
Cellist David Garner left New Zealand on a high note yesterday, flying out to take up a music scholarship in America.
In his luggage was a borrowed 211-year-old cello which he will use while he completes his doctorate in musical arts at Michigan State University.
The Merton cello, worth between
$300,000 and $400,000, is owned by the Guardian Trust and is given to musicians during their post-graduate studies.
Mr Garner, aged 26 of Albany, said the instrument would give him an edge over other musicians.
"Of course it is a responsibility and I have to be very careful about where I go with it. Travel arrangements have to be carefully planned."
The cello, made in Italy in 1788, is kept in a reinforced carbon fibre case with inflatable air pockets for protection.
"Even so, I make sure it has 'fragile' [stickers] all over it."
The instrument will help him through "the most important time in a cellist's life," the transition from student to professional musician.
"An instrument that sounds as rich and resonant as this, and has the indefinable character that comes with it, gives you a definite edge over someone who is playing a different instrument.
"I'm interested in entering and competing in international competitions and at that level every little advantage helps."
