DEBUTS AT CARTER LIBRARY
Sept. 27, 2004 ? NEW YORK CITY ? Celebrated pianist Roger Williams and former President Jimmy Carter will celebrate their 80th birthdays with a 13.5-hour performance by Mr. Williams on a Steinway grand piano designed in his honor ? a first for this world-renowned, 151-year-old piano manufacturer.
The Roger Williams Limited Edition Gold Piano will make its debut during special ceremonies at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, Oct. 1. Both President Carter and Mr. Williams were born on that date in 1924.
The performance ? from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. is an attempt by Mr. Williams to break his own world record for the longest piano concert by a single artist. Admission is free.
"The warmth and caring of the Steinway family has made their piano what it is today: the world's best. To be so honored by them is one of the most beautiful and important things in my life," says Mr. Williams. "I couldn't be prouder."
Designed in the art-deco style prevalent when both men were born, the Roger Williams Limited Edition Gold Piano reflects architectural lines from that historic period, and features a gold-metallic finish accented by a high-gloss top coat. Lyrics to the first verse of Autumn Leaves ? the best-selling piano recording of all time, released by Mr. Williams in 1955 ? decorate the piano's perimeter. Additionally, falling autumn leaves appear between each line of the verse.
The stylized music desk is decorated with Autumn Leaves' signature notes, while the piano's cast-iron plate has a custom-painted landscape reflecting the brilliant colors and hues of autumn foliage.
Because Mr. Williams and President Carter are celebrating their eighth decade on the same day, and because Mr. Williams has performed for eight U.S. Presidents, Steinway will handcraft just eight of these limited-edition pianos. The nine-foot model D grand is expected to be offered for purchase at $258,000, while the seven-foot model B may be acquired for $178,000.
"I am delighted that Roger Williams has chosen to celebrate our mutual birthday this way," says President Carter. "It will be a great opportunity for people across the country to hear some of America?s favorite melodies performed by one of our nation's best-loved musical artists."
Considered by most music experts as the world's finest, Steinway pianos are played by 99 percent of all concert pianists performing with major symphony orchestras around the world. Steinway & Sons pianos are created from 12,000 components that require a year to handcraft and assemble. They are sold in the United States by a select number of exclusive authorized dealers.
Steinway & Sons' world headquarters and U.S. factory are located at Steinway Place, Long Island City, N.Y. Steinway & Sons' corporate parent is Steinway Musical Instruments Inc., which also owns Conn-Selmer ? the nation's leading manufacturer of orchestral and band instruments. This alliance established the largest domestic manufacturer of musical instruments with annual revenues of nearly $350 million. Steinway Musical Instruments is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LVB.
For more details, please contact Leo Spellman, Senior Director Communications, Steinway & Sons at (718) 721-2600 x3116. Additional information on Mr. Williams may be obtained by visiting www.mrpianotoday.com.