POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- It’s a story nearly 300 years in the making about an extremely rare red violin shrouded in mystery.

This weekend the red violin and its owner, Elizabeth Pitcairn, will grace the stage in Point Pleasant.

Pitcairn says her violin is an extension of who she is.

“It’s like finding a love partner. I feel incredibly lucky to have found this match. We’ve really grown together,” she said.

Pitcairn started playing at the age of three and performed her first concert with an orchestra at 14. But, it wasn’t until the age of 16 that she discovered her perfect partner.

“I knew as soon as I plucked the strings and heard the sound come out. This music is healing to the soul and to all those who hear it, there’s a healing that takes place,” Pitcairn said.

Her red violin was created by Antonio Stradivari in the early 1700’s, but it disappeared for 200 years. In 1990 the violin showed up for auction in London. Pitcairn’s grandfather bought it for her at a record-breaking price $1.7 million.

“This violin is 300-years-old and look at the incredible finish on it. Someone has taken very good care of it,” Pitcairn said.

“To have someone of her caliber come to a rural town like this is huge,” said Paul Simon.

Simon is one of the folks responsible for bringing Pitcairn to Point Pleasant. He works with a local art gallery that displays several pieces from an artist named Philippe Smit.

Those pieces came from Pitcairn’s grandfather’s collection. A trip to Pennsylvania to pick them up led to a lucky meeting with Pitcairn’s father.

“I was just starting to work with the Ohio Valley Symphony Orchestra. I was kind of joking and said it would be really great if we could get Elizabeth to come and play in Point Pleasant,” said Simon.

For Pitcairn, this trip to Point Pleasant to play with the Ohio Valley Symphony Orchestra, feels more like a homecoming than a first visit.

“I feel like I’m surrounded by my family. I always feel the presence of my grandfather who made this violin possible. So, this concert is a tribute to my family and friends and I’ve made so many new friends here,” Pitcairn said.

It’s a love affair that even inspired an award-winning Hollywood movie and is guaranteed to inspire all who hear it played.

You can meet Elizabeth Pitcairn and see her violin at a wine and cheese reception Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Gallery 409.

The Gallery is located on Main Street next to the historic Lowe Hotel, tickets are $20 at the door.

On Saturday Pitcairn will perform with the Ohio Valley Symphony Orchestra at 8:00 p.m. at the Lillian and Paul Wedge Auditorium at Point Pleasant High School.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students.