We got to christen LR’s newest acquisition tonight, a 9′ Bösendorfer which amazed concert goers who were used to seeing either our past-it’s-prime Steinway or a rented piano on stage for our soloists. Let me tell you folks, to say this instrument has an AMAZING sound understates what I heard. I have always been a fan of the Bösendorfer sound, and tonight had everyone of my memories of those instruments reignited. Such wonderful presence, projection, and rich full tone… and in the hands of a master like John Anthony Cheek, it shone in all it’s glory. Of course, being a Lutheran institution, the first piece performed on it was a Bach Keyboard Concerto! Followed by something completely different, “The Piano Factory” by (we’ll claim him since he’s been transplanted here so long) NC’s own J. Mark Scearce showing off a completely different set of sounds this remarkable instrument is capable of. Kudos to John and Daniel Kiser in putting together the deal to make this happen for LRU – thanks to the donors and everyone responsible including Ruggero Piano and Yamaha/Bösendorfer USA. If you missed it… I am sorry for you (LR Choir Tour members from 1978 will remember that quote). - Tim Phillips – Lenoir-Rhyne University
