In an almost unbelievable chain of events, a 300-yer-old cello that went missing in the decades after the murder of its owner in World War II has been recovered, thanks to the determined sleuthing of a handful of classical music lovers.

And, it turns out, a heartfelt and innocent performance by Montville-born cellist Sam Lucas has been critical to the circa 1720 Nicolo Gagliano cello being re-identified and the secrets of its disappearance finally being answered.

The re-discovery also allowed for the orphaned daughter of the original owner to once again hear the beloved cello’s rich tones – fulfilling a wish many decades in the waiting.

Sam Lucas. Photo supplied

“This is definitely one of the most meaningful and deeper moments for my career, and more personal moments as well,” Sam said of his role in the mystery being solved.

“It’s rather emotional to be honest.”

History shows the beautiful cello was purchased in the 1920s for brilliant young Jewish soloist Pal Hermann, who performed internationally for many years until he was arrested by the German secret police in 1944.

The young man was among the six million Jews eventually murdered in the Holocaust. His...