Master Piano Casemaker To Work In Window Of Steinway Hall, NY

On Monday, March 16, Santé Auriti, master Steinway & Sons casemaker and craftsman, will move his workspace to the front window of the renowned Steinway Hall in New York City for a unique, two-week exhibition of Steinway craftsmanship. From March 16th-27th, Auriti can be seen Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, in the window of the Hall’s main rotunda. During this exhibit, he will be fitting the braces, fitting and gluing the case moldings, rough carving the bottom edge of the rim, and fitting the legs of a new Steinway Louis XV (Model 501A) grand piano.

As you will see, each Steinway & Sons piano is hand-crafted, one at a time, taking a full year to complete. This piano’s outside cabinetry—its case—is its interesting feature, and it also adds strength and support to the instrument. The construction of the case is reserved for Steinway’s most advanced craftsmen, many of whom have trained for decades.

“The mission of Steinway & Sons founder Henry E. Steinway was to build the best piano possible,” said Dan Miceli, Senior Director of Retail Sales for Steinway & Sons. “We have always been committed to maintaining the talent, diligence, and tradition of expert workmanship unique to the Steinway family of piano builders, and having Santé showcase his craft will be an exciting and fascinating exhibition.”

Auriti, a native of Italy, emigrated to the United States in 1979 and started his career with Steinway & Sons. During his illustrious 30-year career he has worked at Steinway as machine operator and soundboard specialist, but his current position of casemaker charges him with the responsibility of crafting one of Steinway’s most exclusive and beautiful pianos. Auriti’s career has been documented in many national and international reviews.

“One of the most fascinating things about Steinway pianos is the process through which they are created,” said Todd Sanders, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Steinway & Sons. “This is a rare glimpse behind the curtain to see that artistry in action. Santé’s hands are pure magic. I’m so glad we’re going to share this experience with the community.”

About Steinway & Sons
Since its founding in New York in 1853, Steinway & Sons has been considered the world's premier piano manufacturer. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, Steinway & Sons pianos are built in one of two company-owned and operated factories: Astoria, New York and Hamburg, Germany. Steinway & Sons pianos are still constructed primarily by hand, using many of the techniques developed over 160 years ago. Today, Steinway & Sons also offers the Boston and Essex piano lines, Listen, a magazine for music and culture lovers, and the Steinway & Sons record label. For more information, visit www.steinway.com.

Press Contact:
Anthony Gilroy
Steinway & Sons
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(718) 204–3116

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