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Stewards of the Steinway

Sponsorship and Celebration of the James Library's Steinway B Grand Piano Our Steinway The James Library has a spectacular piano – a Steinway model B built in 1923 at the New York Steinway factory. The James purchased the piano in 2000 from a well-known amateur pianist on Cape Cod who had used the piano for private use and for in-home concerts. Piano technician Paul Rattigan, who had maintained this piano for eighteen years for the previous owner, facilitated the purchase that was made possible by fund raising efforts by James Library’s music supporters. Since 2000, students and professional pianists who perform at The James have held this instrument in high regard for its special tone and personality. Students who perform in recitals and adjudicated events sponsored by teaching organizations including the Massachusetts Music Teachers Association (MMTA) and the South Shore Music Teachers Association (SSMTA) also play the piano. In August 2008 Paul Rattigan replaced its hammers and performed some deferred repairs.
PIANISTS Professional pianists who have performed at the James on this piano include Max Levinson, Jonathan Bass, Janice Weber, Jacqueline Schwab and Judith Gordon.

Join Us To celebrate this piano a new Stewards of the Steinway group is underway. This group will learn more about the history of our piano and explore ideas for special events. Possible events include speakers, what to look for in buying a piano and recitals at the James by conservatory students. Possible trips include concerts in Boston or Tanglewood, a visit to the Steinway factory, or to the Fredericks’ Historical Piano Collection in Ashburnham. For more information contact Janna Bruene at the James Library. SECURING THE PIANO'S FUTURE The James Library has an annual piano maintenance budget for regular tuning and to keep the instrument in good condition. The James seeks to enhance this fund so that our piano’s future is secure and repairs can be made. Listed below are benefit concerts with proceeds going to this fund.

JANUARY 2010 CONCERT PREVIEW WITH JANNA BRUENE Friday, January 22, 2010 at 7 p.m. Wine & cheese, music and lively conversation. Janna previews the music Victor Rosenbaum will play at The James on January 31st. Free

JANUARY 2010 VICTOR ROSENBAUM, PIANO BENEFIT CONCERT Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 3 p.m. $20/$18 senior/$10/No charge for Stewards of the Steinway members Enjoy an afternoon of fine piano music with Victor Rosenbaum. Haydn C Minor Sonata, Beethoven Op. 2 No. 3 and Chopin. Community Sponsorship by Andrew G. Gordon, Inc. Proceeds benefit the Stewards of the Steinway Piano Fund.

FEBRUARY 2010 BRILLIANT BEETHOVEN: HIS LIFE AND PIANO WORKS Friday, February 26, 2010 at 7 p.m. Discussion led by pianists Janna Bruene and Alison Barr Free. Refreshments.

MARCH 2010 JAZZ GREAT THELONIUS MONK Friday, March 26, 2010 at 7 p.m. Pianist Alex Gordon leads a discussion about the music of jazz great Thelonius Monk. Free.

SUMMER 2010 TRIP TO FREDERICK COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL PIANOS in Ashburnham, MA. Details to be announced.