Rich invited me down today for a Piano Tasting event hosted by both he and the staff of the Cunningham Piano Co. The program included two lecture/Receitals. The first by Dr. Indrek Laul. The second by Hugh Sung.
As usual with Dr. Laul. Very informative with regards to both music and pre/post soviet era piano manufacturing. Of course he performed on one of his new L190. It was an exceptional piano. Very close to the sonic capacity of a full concert grand. It had a very ethereal treble almost akin to that of the Bosendorfer.
Hugh presented his teaching software and auto page turning software. He is very driven to bring the ability to learn the piano to both young and old. Plus he always knows how to make you laugh with his comical discourses on both teaching and the world of the concert pianist.
What visit would be complete without a sampling of some of the pianos on the show room floor. As is usual, there were the vintage Steinways, M&H's, etc. But what really stood out was the new line of Cunningham pianos. Very musical with a highly responsive action. I was shocked. I can now definitely say the chinese pianos are getting light years better then they were a few years back. But the real show stopper was the Cunningham Model 277 concert grand. Wow! A bass to die for. And I had an older Baldwin SD-10 concert grand right next to it for comparison. I'm a big Baldwin fan, and those that know the SD-10 know that it has one of the best bass registers in the world of concert grands. This one was good. But the Cunningham blew it away.
Thanks to Rich, Tim, Peter, and the other staff at Cunningham for having such wonderful programs for the Tri state area.
Last another mention to Rich. Thank god you had the new Bosendorfer 280 concert grand out to it's new owner because I probably would have had a stroke playing it. I heard through the grapevine that it was a perfect 10 on a scale of 1-10.

Thanks for the details Curry, I had a feeling it would be a fun day, wish we could have been there. Always a pleasure to hear Dr. Laul, and as you mentioned, Hugh is not only musically talented, but also a fun entertainer.

Do you know if anyone video-taped?

I believe it was taped for radio, but some individuals were video tapeing privately.

Nice to hear more about the event, which I understand carried on into the evening with some piano friends partying there. Looking forward to seeing some pics, vids etc.

Someday, Rich, I'll make it down there!

I would have loved to visit, but had to decline due to distance and about a zillion other commitments. I have not yet met either Hugh Sung or Dr. Laul.

Was at Cunningham's as well, missed Dr. Laul's session, but would like to thank Rich G. and Cunningham's staff for their kind hospitality as well. Heard many of Rich G's compositions , as well as Cunningham staff Katie's glorious soprano performance. Very glad to have met "curry" there, too!

Didn't get to play Cunningham's line of pianos this time, though had a chance to play them last year, from the 5'+ to the 9', and the impression was most definitely positive.

Thank you for the kind words, Ax and Curry.

The afternoon was incredibly fun, well attended, and I am so glad that some of our PW regulars went out of their way to join us here. The group (including PW members) was interesting, articulate, and entertaining to spend time with - and each of our visiting artists, Dr. Indrek Laul Of the Estonia Piano Company and Hugh Sung of The Curtis Institute, felt welcome and enjoyed the crowd.

Of course, after the presentations we served food and drink and that is when the piano party REALLY started!

Here are a few pictures:



Dr. Laul talks about the experience of growing up as a young artist under the Soviet regime and how they effected music and art.



Everyone in attendance got a chance to tour our restoration facility and see pianos being rebuilt for Westminster Choir College, Haverford College, and Archmere Academy among others.



Settling in for a great program



Hugh Sung chats with our own Real Player and a Cunningham customer.



An artsy shot during the break

If anyone here would like to know about future events like this one, email me and we will add you to our event email list.

By the way, we planned on this event ending at 6 pm. I think I finally started home at about 10 pm and there were others meeting at a local eatery to continue the piano party. Whew!

Happy Memorial Day All.

Rich, thanks for hosting the event. We enjoyed seeing the shop and chatting with everyone (and playing the pianos!).

I was very sorry to miss the event. I expect to hear about it from some who were there in person, and from Rich too, of course! It sounds absolutely fabulous. These gatherings--some of which I have attended--are a wonderful way for piano fans to meet each other and to learn from the fabulous guests, from the professionals, and from other piano fans as well. The fact that Rich, Tim and the Cunningham folks host these gatherings is a testament to their genuine and enthusiastic dedication to the world of pianos.

Congratulations, all!

It's been a while since I ventured out of town for a piano party, and let me say at the outset: It was terrific! (It's been a while since I visited these parts of the internet too, and I'm thinking it might be time for a change in that regard. )

How wonderful it was to see 'familiar' faces again and to meet a few forumites for the first time. Yes!

Rich, of course, is the perfect host and what better destination for a day trip than Cunningham Pianos!? Thanks Rich for extending the warmest welcome and making sure everyone felt at ease and enjoyed themselves.

I too missed Indrek's talk (but I've seen him a few times in the past).

I haven't worked with a teacher for a few years now, and am greatful that those present prodded me into playing the Nocturne I've been working on yet not had the chance to play for anyone. Forgot what it felt like to be 'under pressure'. Nice to be reminded of the valuable experience that that is. It was good. The Estonia we played on was delightful!


It was sheer joy listening to everyone play. I heard a few pieces I can't wait to get my hands on. MattG played a Grieg Nocturne that is now on my list, and RachOn played a Bortkiewicz Prelude (Op.33, #7) that was absolutely gorgeous and I'm picking that up too.

Piano Parties are a great thing. Keep them happening where ever you are. It's important.

Thanks again, Rich.

P.S. If you're ever looking for a place to eat in Germantown, check out Cin Cin. Rich brought us there for dinner after the party and the food was very good (Chinese with a French flair). I shall not forget the manager personally driving me to the bus when it became apparent that the taxi I ordered wasn't going to arrive on time. How very thoughtful and generous of him.

My wife and I were fortunate enough to be at Cunningham's for the entire afternoon. We arrived ahead of the bulk of the guests so had a chance to noodle around on the amazing variety of pianos they have on the floor. I had never met either of the afternoon's featured presenters before, so it was all new and exciting to me. Perhaps the best part was the opportunity to meet people I only knew by internet aliases, while also renewing some old personal acquaintances.

Many thanks to Rich for sponsoring this afternoon. And many thanks to those who chose to share their talents with us. I was particularly pleased to hear RachOn for the first time and to finally meet Realplayer and hear him play.

Rank Piano Amatuer,

You were truly missed. Father To Pianist brought Noona and she so wanted to meet you.

Piano again,

It was such a pleasure meeting you for the first time. Your husband seemed to enjoy the time as well and I hope I see you both again soon.

Bernard and Big Al,

It was great to see both. This wasn't a first visit to Cunningham for either of you and I truly hope it won't be your last either.

Cheers,

I am so sorry to have missed the event. One of the most fun parts about such an occasion at Cunningham's is that I get to meet so many of the Piano World crew. I will look forward to the next such gathering. I had a critical family event this past weekend, or I would have been there for sure! I would have loved to have met Noona, and to hear her play as well.

Noona was there?

Now I know how those pianos were sold during the day!!!

;-)

Noona would have been very pleased with the way things unfolded at Cunningham's last weekend. Any serious piano shopper would have had a very memorable experience listening to Hugh Sung and Indrek Laul who both played but more importantly opened up their hearts and minds to the audience.

The passion of all involved was quite evident and as a retail experience its more than one could ask for as it stood on its right as educational and collegial. Kudos to Rich.

And then there was that Estonia 190 that everyone was playing--hard to get the sustains and overtones out of my mind.

soooooo

Guess who is coming to dinner at my house.

Uuuhhh....

A Cunningham customer???

(This really deserves its own thread, apple)

ok

Rich,

A few weeks back I saw a video of Hugh demonstrating something and it looked like his private studio and his piano sounded really good. I noticed that the fallboard said Cunningham Piano Co. You know of course that Cunningham was one of the pianos on my short list of “golden age” pianos form the past so I was really intrigued. Then I read all you had on your website about them and am even more curious. In the not too distant future there may be a way I can get someone to drive me down there for an event such as this. It's long overdue. I believe you have my e-mail address and will post me about future events.

All the best,

PS: I'd REALLY like meeting Hugh Sung in person when I visit.

To all the people who attended, some I know from other events, I am sure you had one of those great times we all talk about for years after. The pics speak volumes.