Vladimir Horowitz’s concert grand Steinway piano will be on display in the Organ Recital Hall at the University Center for the Arts at Colorado State University from Nov. 2-4. Pianists and music lovers can schedule times to actually touch and play this historic piano, as well as take pictures.

The legendary Steinway & Sons Model D Horowitz Piano, perhaps the most famous Steinway of all time, continues its tour of North America with a stop in Fort Collins. The tour provides a rare opportunity for the public to interact with the Steinway – the fabled piano that accompanied classical titan Vladimir Horowitz (1903-1989) on tour, and was known to be one of his favorite instruments.

Horowitz, a Steinway Artist Immortal, is widely considered one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. His colorful personality and astounding performances enthralled audiences for decades. Early in 1934, Steinway & Sons presented Horowitz and his wife Wanda with a Steinway Model D, Serial #279503 as a wedding present. In the early 1940’s, this piano was replaced with #314503, now known simply as CD 503. The piano Horowitz kept in his New York townhouse, CD 503 was used on many recitals and recordings in the 70’s and 80’s, and he famously demanded that the piano be his exclusive touring instrument during the last four years of his life, including his triumphant return to the former Soviet Union for performances in Moscow and Leningrad in 1986.

Pianists, teachers, students, and music lovers may reserve time on “the maestro’s” piano. Teachers and students will play on the piano on Tuesday, Nov. 3 and Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. both nights. The public may contact Janet Landreth, or call (970) 402-3277, to schedule additional times.

This free event is sponsored by the School of Music, Theatre and Dance at Colorado State University, Schmitt Music Company, and Steinway & Sons of New York to celebrate their 162 years of American-Made pianos.

Schmitt Music Company is a family owned and operated company established in 1896, now serving seven states with fifteen stores. Tom Schmitt, grandson of the founder, is now president.