The Fredonia School of Music鈥檚 third Sorel Piano Competition in November will include a special feature, made possible through the generosity of the Steinway Company, showcasing Van Cliburn鈥檚 personal Steinway piano.
One of classical music鈥檚 most revered artists, Van Cliburn preferred this Steinway Model D (serial number 443530) for his performances throughout the world and he eventually purchased it for his own collection.
Mr. Cliburn鈥檚 piano was built in 1976 at the Steinway factory in Astoria, N.Y. Becoming known as 鈥淐D 375,鈥 it was added to Steinway鈥檚 famed Concert & Artist piano inventory and soon became a favorite of Mr. Cliburn鈥檚.
鈥淗aving the Van Cliburn piano on display at the Sorel Piano Competition is another step in elevating the prominence of the Sorel Piano competition,鈥 said Fredonia School of Music Director Mel Unger. 鈥淲e are thrilled by the growth of the Sorel Competition and by Steinway鈥檚 decision to make the Van Cliburn piano available for viewing and photo opportunities. As others have noted, this piano 鈥榠s a piece of American and world history.鈥欌
For more information on the competition, see or /music/sorel-piano-comp
