G’twn piano company goes global

by MICHAEL CARUSO

Germantown’s Cunningham Piano Company, 5427 Germantown Ave., recently stepped onto the international stage while helping to establish a meaningful relationship that has local connections. The longtime piano maker and restorer was the conduit between Temple University’s radio station, WRTI, and the Estonia Piano Company. The instrument is built in the now independent Baltic nation of the same name. Cunningham holds the franchise to sell Estonia pianos in Greater Philadelphia.

According to Richard Galassini, Cunningham’s sales manager, “The Estonia piano is one of the most desirable instruments today. It combines the finest components available with a world-class design and relatively inexpensive labor to offer a hand-built instrument at the price of some lesser-quality, mass-produced pianos. Many institutions, teachers and performers have chosen the Estonia in the Philadelphia area after playing many other brands.”

WRTI recently completed a multi-million dollar facility that now offers “state of the art” recording and broadcasting equipment to the Philadelphia radio station that programs both classical music and jazz. Included in the new facility is a recital hall that can also be used for “live” recording. Consequently, the choice of a grand piano was an important decision. After an extensive search, the radio station’s management decided to purchase an Estonia. (It is a 6’3” piano. This is the length of the harp inside the grand piano. All grand pianos are described by such a measurement of feet and inches.)

To mark the occasion of the instrument’s placement in the recital hall, Estonia’s owner, Indrek Laul, paid a visit to Philadelphia. Laul, 36, is an accomplished concert pianist in his own right, a musician who has won more international piano competitions than any of his compatriots. Among his other American connections, Laul received a doctor of musical arts degree in performance from New York’s Juilliard School of Music.

“The visit by Indrek Laul to WRTI is historic,” Galassini said, “because it marks the beginning of a relationship between the station, Cunningham Piano Company and the Estonia Piano Company that can only be good for Philadelphia’s classical music community. The meeting was about sharing future plans for expanding this newly formed association and bringing more music to Philadelphia.”For more information, call 215-438-3200.

COFFEEHOUSE CONCERT SUNDAY
A little bit of musical history is in the making for Sunday, September 5, 7 p.m., when Jeremiah Shepherd performs at the Bread and Cup Coffeehouse, located in the First Presbyterian Church in Germantown, 35 West Chelten Ave. When Shepherd debuts as part of a trio known as Jeremiah and the Prophets, it will mark the first time in seven years this jazz pianist will have performed in public, other than at worship services.

The 65-year-old Shepherd has a long list of professional credits to his name. He has performed with Marvin Gaye, Wilson Pickett, the Isley Brothers and Jerry Butler. He also had a radio program in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Although this is the first time in years Shepherd will be playing jazz for an audience, he doesn’t expect it to be his last time. He hopes to have a CD produced later in the year.
Local author Karen Quinones Miller will also be featured at Bread and Cup as she signs and reads excerpts from her latest novel, Ida B.

Admission and refreshments at the Bread and Cup are free, but donations are gratefully accepted. For more information, call 215-843-8811.