The Fredonia School of Music’s third Sorel Piano Competition in November will include a special feature, made possible through the generosity of the Steinway Company, showcasing Van Cliburn’s personal Steinway piano.
One of classical music’s 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’s piano was built in 1976 at the Steinway factory in Astoria, N.Y. Becoming known as “CD 375,” it was added to Steinway’s famed Concert & Artist piano inventory and soon became a favorite of Mr. Cliburn’s.
“Having the Van Cliburn piano on display at the Sorel Piano Competition is another step in elevating the prominence of the Sorel Piano competition,” said Fredonia School of Music Director Mel Unger. “We are thrilled by the growth of the Sorel Competition and by Steinway’s decision to make the Van Cliburn piano available for viewing and photo opportunities. As others have noted, this piano ‘is a piece of American and world history.’”
For more information on the competition, see https://events.fredonia.edu/event/the_claudette_sorel_piano_competition… or /music/sorel-piano-comp
