DEARBORN, Michigan – The sanctuary of Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church is now home to a rare Bosendorfer Imperial Concert Grand Piano purchased from a private owner in Denver, Colorado. Bosendorfer pianos, hand built in Vienna, Austria, are world renowned for their innovation and rich tonal quality.
Bosendorfer Imperial Concert Grand Piano at Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church
The Imperial Concert Grand Piano, which has 97 keys instead of the traditional 88 keys, is recognized as a musical instrument phenomenon. Some of the world’s most famous concert musicians have concertized and endorsed the Imperial Bosendorfer. This list includes Liszt, Bartok, Debussy, Ravel and Wagner.
“This piano is a wonderful complement to our church’s Austin pipe organ,” said Jean Thayer, Cherry’s Hill’s music director and organist who is also a concert pianist.
Jean Thayer, musical director for Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church, seated at the Bosendorfer piano.
The Austin organ was manufactured by one of the oldest organ manufacturers in the United States. The pipe organ was custom built for Cherry Hill’s sanctuary with 43 ranks and more than 2,000 pipes. According to church records, the organ was first played at Cherry Hill Presbyterian in 1959 and continues to be in excellent playing condition.
“The Bosendorfer is a marvelous instrument that enriches our worship. It is Cherry Hill’s privilege to share this unique piano with the community” said Reverend Neeta R. Nichols, Cherry Hill’s Interim Pastor.
Cherry Hill Presbyterian seeks to extend its community outreach by making the Bosendorfer piano available for others to enjoy. The church welcomes individuals, music groups and other organizations to contact the church about opportunities for concerts and recitals that can be held in the church’s 500 seat sanctuary.
“You won’t believe the difference in sound quality until you hear this piano. It’s exceptional,” said John Matthews, Jr., who is a member of Cherry Hill Presbyterian and serves on the church board.