Emanuel Ax at the Steinway Factory in New York selecting the Lied Center's new (Courtesy: Lied Center for Performing Arts)
The Lied Center for Performing Arts has built a reputation of presenting the world’s top pianists, and attracting internationally renowned artists requires providing world-class instruments for their performances.
Thanks to generous support from the D.F. Dillon Foundation and Rhonda Seacrest, 8-time GRAMMY Award winning pianist Emanuel Ax traveled to the Steinway factory in Queens, New York to select a new 9’ Steinway Model D Concert Grand piano for the Lied. Ax was joined by Lied Center Executive Director Bill Stephan, Glenn Korff School of Music Professor Paul Barnes, UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green, and Lied Center Piano Circle Member Keith Heckman.
“We want these top tier pianists to have the ultimate instrument,” said Stephan, “Steinway is known for being the greatest piano brand in the world. They’re all handmade.”
The Lied’s concert grand Steinway piano that has been used in performances since the building opened in 1990 will continue to be available for concerts and other events throughout the year.
Emanuel Ax opens the 2023-2024 Lied Center piano series on September 24 at 4:00pm in a performance that will mark the debut of the new piano on the Lied stage.
Tickets are available now at liedcenter.org/ax.