A Steinway piano once owned and frequently played by renowned concert pianist Van Cliburn will be available for public viewing, performances and hands-on playing sessions in Augusta from Oct. 1 through Oct. 10.
The nine-foot Steinway & Sons Model D concert grand, known as CD 375, will arrive at Turner's Keyboards, according to a community announcement. The instrument is notable for its connection to Cliburn, whose 1958 victory at the First International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow brought international attention during the height of Cold War tensions.
Built during 1975 and 1976 at the Steinway factory in New York, the piano was originally assigned serial number
443530 before entering Steinway's Concert & Artist inventory. The instrument later received the identifier CD 375 and was used on major concert stages worldwide.
According to the announcement, Cliburn eventually purchased the piano from Steinway & Sons and played it more than any other piano in his personal collection.
Visitors can reserve 15-minute sessions to play the instrument during its stay in Augusta.
On Oct. 3 at 4 p.m., Turner's Keyboards will present a concert featuring the piano. Nicholas Bai, a piano professor at Mercer University in Macon, will perform.
"We cannot wait for the arrival of CD 375 in Augusta," said Lisa Turner Maddox, owner of Turner's Keyboards of Augusta. "Anyone who knows and loves piano will understand the historic and artistic significance of Van Cliburn's personal piano. We are thrilled to be entrusted with this instrument, and we are looking forward to sharing it with our region through performance and playing opportunities."
How to see and play the Cliburn piano
The piano will be displayed at Turner's Keyboards, 2358 Washington Road in Augusta.
Those interested in attending the Oct. 3 concert or reserving time to play the instrument can call (706) 736-4479 or email Eric@TurnersKeyboards.com.
Additional information is available at turnerskeyboards.com.
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This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Rare chance to play Van Cliburn's personal Steinway in Augusta
