Month: December 2019

I’ve never been to Christmas in Vienna, but I am hoping to get a taste of it this week in Wayne!  This Friday evening, December 6, Saint Katharine of Siena Church is celebrating the arrival of a magnificent custom built Bösendorfer 225.  (Scroll down for complete details for the evening which includes a Family Friendly Musikfest.)  Special thanks to Rich Galassini and Tim Oliver at Cunningham Piano Company who are one of only a handful of Bösendorfer dealers in the United States.

I realize it is only a few days away, but I was so caught up with Thanksgiving, I didn’t have a chance to send to you sooner.   I played on this piano for a Mass the day after the delivery  – I think it is my new favorite instrument – simply spectacular and the sanctuary has supurb accoustics.  I had a hard time yanking myself away from the keys!  I can’t wait for the Art Piano students to play on it – I know you will love it!

The brilliant concert pianist Hugh Sung

Hugh Sung will be giving the piano recital at 8pm with audience favorites; he is a truly delightful entertainer!  There will a black tie cocktail reception with viennese treats following the concert. Hugh also made a video of the Bösendorfer factory and how these instruments are made.

And, our very own Mary Agnes will be singing in the Choir concert at 6 PM!

If you can’t make it for all or part of the evening of festivities, please consider making a donation of any amount to help support the purchase of this instrument and please put “Art Piano” in the memo.  We have been fortunate to use this facility for the last five recitals and will benefit from an additional concert on the new Bosendorfer on February 9, 2020 for all in our Art Piano family who would like to participate (alumni and parents included!)  Also, keep your eye out as there will be a concert series launched at Saint Katharine’s in the near future – a great addition to the cultural offerings on the Main Line.  I am excited for all of the years of great music that will be made on this world class instrument in the years to come!

If you are interested in attending one or both of the events please visit: www.sksparish.org/christmasinvienna to RSVP, purchase tickets, or donate (remember to include “Art Piano” in the memo).  The Bösendorfer 225 is named after its lenth of 225 cm.  With this in mind, our goal is to have our studio contribute 10 times the length of the piano, or $2250,  towards the purchase price.

Hugh’s Program:

1. Rondo All Turca, K. 331 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

2. Jazz Fantasy on Mozart – Fazil Say

3. Waltz in A-flat major, Op. 42 by Frederic Chopin

4. Impromptu No. 3 in G-flat major, Op. 51 by Chopin

5. Auf dem Wasser zu singen (To Sing on the Water) – Franz Schubert (D.774)/Franz Liszt (S. 558)

6. Die Forelle (The Trout) – Schubert (Op. 32, D 550)/ Liszt (S. 564)

7. Arabesques on the Beautiful Blue Danube – Johann Strauss, transcribed by Adolf Schulz-Evler

We hope you can come on Friday!

Laura and Joe

Event Details: