German Pianos Travel the Globe
- February 29th, 2008
- Posted by Emma Cillekens
More than a million dollars worth of pianos out of Germany are traveling the world.
The Steinway No. 1 Grand Piano World Tour was in Brisbane, Australia last week (20-23 February) and will now continue to travel the globe, in locations throughout Asia, the Pacific, India, the Middle East and Europe.
The tour showcases three pianos from the 1800s and a modern piano highlighting their development over the last one hundred and fifty years.
Previously pianos like these have been hidden away from the public with only professionals lucky enough to play the coveted pieces.
But shunning the usual “look and don’t touch” philosophy, Steinway is allowing the public to have a tinkle on the over-a-century-old instriuments.
James Ledgerwood, the Overseas Territories Manager of Steinway & Sons Hamburg said he wanted to “bring sound to the people”.
“We’re encouraging the audiences to come see and actually touch the pianos so they can hear musical history,” he said.
“It’s a great experience for play the pianos, even if they’re not professionals.”
The exhibition on its Australian leg drew much interest, ranging from school groups to professional musicians.
Many walked around and just looked; others tried their hand … even if only for a chorus of “chopsticks”.
Reference:
Steinway Pianos. (Germany) http://www.steinway.com/. 22.3.08
Steinway No. 1 Grand Piano World Tour www.ourbrisbane.com/whatson/events/html/events/1/96685.html. 22.3.07