The legendary Steinway & Sons Model D Horowitz Piano, CD 503, has arrived in Charlotte to begin a unique area tour that will include philanthropic concerts and public playing opportunities.
This stunning piano—a nine-foot grand and one of Steinway’s most revered designs—is hosted by Steinway Piano Gallery – Charlotte and will travel to five additional destinations throughout the region. The tour provides a rare opportunity for the public to see, hear, touch and even play the fabled piano that accompanied classical titan Vladimir Horowitz (1903-1989) on tours. Tour-stops will also feature concerts and “perform-a-thons” to raise money for Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.
Horowitz is widely considered one of the greatest pianists of the 20thcentury. His colorful personality and astounding performances enthralled audiences for decades. Early in 1934, Steinway & Sons presented Horowitz and his wife Wanda with a Steinway Model D, Serial #279503, as a wedding present. In the early 1940’s, this piano was replaced with #314503, now known simply as CD 503. This is the piano Horowitz kept in his New York townhouse. It was known to be one of the legendary concert pianist’s favorite instruments, and he used it in many recitals and recordings in the 70’s and 80’s. He would always insist that this piano be his exclusive touring instrument, and he required that it be craned out of his Manhattan apartment and delivered to the concert venue regardless of distance or cost.
The arrival of CD 503 in Charlotte marks the beginning of the piano’s 30th Anniversary Tour celebrating Horowitz’ triumphant return to Moscow at the end of the 1985-1986 concert season. This performance was more than a recital; it represented the first time Horowitz felt safe to return to his native Russia since 1925. His historic performance, and his presence in his former homeland as an ambassador of peace, became emblematic of the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
The Charlotte leg of the tour consists of six destinations:
· On August 30, the Horowitz piano was welcomed to Steinway Piano Gallery – Charlotte with a special live performance by Steinway Artist Agnes Wan.
· The piano was moved on August 31 to the radio studios of WDAV for three days of live broadcasts featuring renowned artists.
· On September 19, WCCB television will host the piano for a unique fundraising event. Hundreds of area music students will perform on CD 503 as part of a “perform-a-thon” to benefit Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.
· Beginning September 24, the piano will be featured at Queens University Charlotte as part of a special faculty celebration. The Ronald McDonald House “perform-a-thon” will be continued at Queens over the following weekend.
· On October 1, the historic Duke Mansion will showcase the piano as part of a celebration welcoming the new president of Wingate University. David Books will perform a piece from Vladimir Horowitz’s historic 1986 Moscow concert.
· The piano will move on October 4 to Winthrop University, which is also welcoming a new president this year. Dr. Matthew Manwarren will perform during a special anniversary concert (free and open to the public), which will include a selection taken directly from Vladimir Horowitz’s program from the 1986 Moscow concert. On the Saturday prior, the public will be offered the opportunity to play the piano (donations to Ronald McDonald House Charlotte are requested but not required).
· On October 5, the Horowitz piano will return to Steinway Piano Gallery – Charlotte. At this time, the public is invited to schedule time to play the famous instrument; again, a donation to Ronald McDonald House Charlotte is requested but not required.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase an instrument which was so loved by the inimitable Vladimir Horowitz,” said Mark Love, president of Steinway Piano Gallery – Charlotte. “This is without a doubt the most travelled piano in history; to think about the places he took it and the places it has travelled since his passing is incredible. The piano has been to Tokyo, to Rome—all around the world. There are hundreds of signatures on the underside of the piano by the technicians and movers who handled this piano throughout the years. We are so happy to now bring it to Charlotte and to offer opportunities for the public to play it, for music students to perform on it, and for money to be raised that will benefit sick children. It’s an exciting package of events and energies.”
To learn more about the Horowitz Piano’s Charlotte tour or to schedule playing time, please call (704) 817-2877 or visitwww.steinwaypgch.com.
