Our piano is back home

A friend of the congregation has returned after several months’ absence! Our beautiful, century-old Steinway has been at Ernie Martinez‘s local studio, being repaired and reconditioned, while its housing and lid went to Mexico for expert refurbishing. You can hear and see the results tomorrow.

The Steinway C is a rare, “opulent,” and “powerful” piano, as explained on this website. We are fortunate to have one, and wise to have invested in a full restoration, inside and out.

Our music director, Bruce Olstad, and pianist, Veronika Agranov-Dafoe, visited Ernie’s studio earlier this week, and Bruce says, “Both of us were completely blown away by the work in every way. The piano looks and plays like a brand new instrument, but still has the richness and beauty of tone that we all know and love.” It is now back home in our Main Hall, and the baby grand that has been doing valiant duty during the Steinway’s absence has been moved to the Fireside Room, providing a second venue for the many recitals held at UUCPA.

A piano-packed service is planned for an upcoming Sunday to be announced. Before that grand unveiling, enjoy the “soft opening” of this Sunday’s service, when not only soprano Liz Russ, but all of us, get to sing along with our treasured piano.

“Before” photo by Jack Owicki