NEW YORK, May 21, 2004 � The Steinway Peace Piano made its debut when acclaimed Steinway artist and newly appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Lang Lang became the first pianist to play it. Steinway & Sons created the specially designed concert grand piano to increase the public's awareness of UNICEF and to raise money for children in need through the joy of music.TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA June 2004 - Collector, Devoe Moore purchases the Peace Piano, the second fascinating Steinway he owns, the other being the Alma Tadema. For the next two years, the Steinway Peace Piano will tour the world in a series of special events including concerts with world-class musicians as well as "perform-a-thons" by local children raising money to help other children around the world. The Steinway Peace Piano will have a profound effect on children in need and to those who will learn more about the mission and work of UNICEF through the tour and concerts," said Charles J. Lyons, president of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "UNICEF's work spans the globe so it is only fitting that we have a partner that can help us spread our message through the only universally recognized language, music." The Steinway Peace Piano marks the culmination of Steinway & Sons' 150th anniversary celebration. It is a re-creation of a historic Steinway concert grand piano that was first exhibited at the New York World's Fair in 1939. The original piano - designed by Walter Dorwin Teague, the renowned art deco designer from the early 20th century - is now housed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The Steinway Peace Piano is the second instrument produced as part of Steinway & Sons' Legendary Collection, a campaign to re-create Steinway & Sons most historically significant pianos. The design of the Steinway Peace Piano is, however, slightly different from its predecessor. In keeping with the theme of peace, on the case of the piano, right above each leg, in place of a golden eagle, is a hand carved Dove grasping an olive branch. The lower apron of the piano, painted gold like the doves, is adorned with 63 stars. There are 195 flags of the nations of the world applied around the bottom edge of the piano. The 35 flags across the front of the piano are the developed nations, such as the United States, Great Britain, and other European countries that are aiding in the relief effort on UNICEF's behalf. "There's no better way to communicate peace and harmony than music", said Bruce Stevens, President and CEO of Steinway & Sons, "and there is no better organization than UNICEF to be the beneficiary. Putting the Steinway "Peace Piano" on a world tour may be the most significant event Steinway & Sons has ever launched." The Steinway Peace Piano will be on display at Steinway Hall in New York City beginning May 21st, June 22nd and make an appearance at the Plaza Hotel on June 23rd. It will then go on a multi U.S. city tour including Tallahassee, Boston with stops at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, to accompany children's concerts in October. It will then return to New York City to kick off the holidays as a special feature to UNICEF's "Snowflake" event on Fifth Avenue. |
