Church's music director restores Steinway grand piano

 

Robert Mckenzie

Hidden in the beautiful setting of stained glass windows, high cathedral  ceilings and wooden floors, sits a world-class Steinway grand piano. Christ Church Aylmer, a place of worship, is also a gem of a concert recital hall.

The piano, built in 1939, was first owned by the CBC, where it served for many years. Then, after its term at the CBC, it was purchased from them by David Benoit-Irving (Berklee College of Music, Mass.) for Christ Church Aylmer where he has been directing and teaching music for the last 17 years. It has been played in hundreds of recitals, services and concerts and has brought us much joy. It also has given many musicians, including young students from the Aylmer community, the experience of playing a world-class instrument.

Steinway pianos are renowned as masterpieces in craftsmanship and musical quality. They are chosen by 90% of concert pianists worldwide. It takes years of handcrafting to build a Steinway but like anything else, after time, parts wear down and need restoration. Thanks to David and  the generosity of the community, enough money was raised to restore the piano to its full capacity. With new hammers, strings, dampers and a full regulation, the piano now sounds and plays like a brand new instrument.

David hopes this magnificent world-class piano can continue to bring joy to musicians and audiences in the beautiful setting of Christ Church Aylmer for years to come. You can hear the piano during the worship service every Sunday at 10 am and take in the beautiful surroundings, acoustics, peace and serenity of the historical Christ Church Aylmer.

For more information on upcoming concerts, music lessons, camps or renting the hall, visit pizzicatomusic.ca or christchurchaylmer.org. You can also call David at 819.682.0958.