Oct. 8, 2019—The personal Steinway piano of Vladimir Horowitz, considered by many to be the greatest pianist of the 20th century, is making a tour of the United States, with a stop at Missouri Western State University. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 in the Kemper Recital Hall, Spratt Hall room 101. The concert is free and open to the public.
Vladimir Horowitz (1903–1989) was a Russian trained musician who emigrated to the United States in 1939. Horowitz traveled the world with his Steinway; this was the piano that he took to Russia for his triumphant return concert performance in 1986, at the age of 83. That program, covered by CBS, influenced many great pianists of our age. This piano was also featured on several tracks of his final album: Horowitz, the Last Recordings.
Department of Music faculty Dr. Matthew Edwards, director of keyboard studies, and Dr. Nathanael May, department chair, will perform music from the Maestro’s favorite repertoire.
“This is a unique and wonderful opportunity for our students to see, hear and perform on the personal piano of one of the most legendary pianists of all time,” Dr. Edwards said.
Audience members will also be treated to several of Horowitz’s own performances, captured for the marvelous Steinway Spirio–the world’s finest high resolution player piano.
Following the concert, the audience is invited to touch and play the famous piano on stage.
Missouri Western is a designated a Steinway School, and presents this concert in partnership with Steinway & Sons and Schmitt Music in Overland Park, Kansas.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.