We have a special guest, a piano that belonged to the late Vladimir Horowitz. The pianist enjoyed a level of worldwide fame few classical musicians achieve, and in his later years, he took his own concert grand on tour with him all over the world. That 9 foot Steinway continues to tour on its own today, and it’s in Charlotte for a few weeks. Guest host Duncan McFadyen will learn about the history of the Horowitz piano, and Charlotte jazz pianist Chad Lawson will play us music from his chart-topping album.
Chad Lawson - a Charlotte-based pianist who has worked as a studio musician, led a jazz trio, and now has a busy solo career. He’s topped the charts and gained national attention with his 2014 album “The Chopin Variations,” a collection of Chopin pieces he re-arranged in his own minimalist style.
Mark Love - owner of the Steinway Piano Gallery Charlotte and organizer of the local visit of Vladimir Horowitz’s 9-foot Steinway grand piano.
Howard “Dutch” Adkins - piano tuner/technician with Steinway. He’s familiar with moving and tuning pianos and with how Horowitz liked his pianos to be set.
Information about the Horowitz piano in Charlotte:
- 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.