The Colorado Symphony proudly announces the addition of a brand-new concert grand piano to Boettcher Concert Hall, ushering in the 2024/25 Season with an exquisite enhancement to its on-stage presence. This magnificent instrument, crafted by the world-renowned Steinway & Sons, promises to elevate the performance experience for audiences in Denver for decades to come.
The acquisition represents a significant milestone for the Colorado Symphony, underscoring its unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and dedication to providing audiences with an unparalleled auditory experience. Known for their superior craftsmanship and tonal quality, Steinway & Sons have meticulously crafted and customized this piano to meet the Symphony’s exacting standards.
“This piano is not just an instrument; it’s a work of art,” said Peter Oundjian, Principal Conductor of the Colorado Symphony. “It will enable our musicians and visiting guest artists to explore greater depths of expression and deliver live performances that resonate even more deeply with our audiences.”
Concert instruments, subjected to rigorous use, typically need replacement every 20 years. The symphony’s previous piano had reached the end of its distinguished career, prompting the search for a worthy successor. The journey to acquire the new grand piano began months ago, with Oundjian, Chief Artistic Officer Anthony Pierce, and donor Phil Beaver visiting the Steinway factory in Queens, N.Y., to select the perfect instrument.
Founded in 1853, Steinway & Sons is renowned for producing the finest pianos in the world, with their nine-foot Model D serving as the industry standard in classical music. Each piano is handcrafted with a unique voice, making the selection process both challenging and rewarding.
Oundjian’s preliminary visit to the factory involved testing four instruments, ultimately selecting one with an exceptionally big and bright sound. Steinway & Sons then prepared three additional pianos with similar attributes for the full symphony contingent to evaluate. Joined by concert pianist Natasha Paremski and legendary Cuban American pianist Horacio Gutiérrez, the team meticulously assessed each piano’s strengths and weaknesses. Consensus quickly emerged around one piano, distinguished by its resonant bass, sustained treble, and powerful yet beautiful middle range. This piano’s selection was a collective decision, aided by the expertise of both Paremski and Gutiérrez.
“Our selection process was rigorous,” explained Oundjian. “We were looking for a piano that would complement our orchestra’s sound and enhance the acoustics of Boettcher Concert Hall. This instrument surpassed all our expectations.”
Mark Cantrell, President & CEO of the Colorado Symphony, emphasized the significance of this acquisition: “This piano is a testament to our commitment to artistic excellence. It’s an investment in our future and in the cultural vitality of our community. We can’t wait for our audiences to experience the magic this piano will bring to our performances.”
“This is a momentous occasion for us,” added Oundjian. “We are thrilled to share this extraordinary instrument with our audiences and to explore the new dimensions of performance it will unveil. It’s a new chapter in our history and we can’t wait to see where it takes us.”
The Colorado Symphony extends its gratitude to Phil Beaver for his generosity in funding the purchase of the new Steinway. Beaver, a professor at the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver and a longtime supporter of the Symphony, expressed his excitement: “It was such a thrill to take part in the selection process with Peter and Tony. Natasha [Paremski] described this piano as a ‘unicorn,’ and I have to agree — it’s the finest instrument I’ve ever played.”
Audiences will have the opportunity to hear this remarkable new instrument six times this season, featuring a world-class roster of soloists, including Yuja Wang. The piano’s debut will take place during opening weekend, September 13-15, 2024, with the renowned Jean-Yves Thibaudet performing Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit coloradosymphony.org