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2022 Piano Sundays

Piano Sundays 2023-24 Season

 

Running for over 15 years, Piano Sundays returns for the 2023-24 season! West Music in partnership with the University of Iowa School of Music and Old Capitol Museum, are proud to host this one-of-its-kind program that brings the community and incredible performances to life.

The program is presented at the historic Old Capitol Museum Senate Chambers on their historic rebuilt Steinway grand piano affectionately known as “Rose”. Attend the concert to see the talent and energy of University of Iowa students and faculty in a truly remarkable setting.

 

Upcoming Performances

October 1, 2023

Ksenia Nosikova and Studio

November 5, 2023

Alan Huckleberry and Studio

March 3, 2024

Doreen Lee and UI collaborative pianists

April 7, 2024

Rene Lecuona and Studio

Previous Performances from Piano Sundays 2020-21 Series

History of Piano Sundays at the Old Capitol

 

old capitol iowa cityIowa Old Capitol Building

The Iowa Old Capitol Building is located in Iowa City, Iowa. Built between the years 1840 and 1842, it was once the main government building for the state of Iowa. When the state government moved to Des Moines in 1857, the Old Capitol Building became the first permanent building owned by the University of Iowa. The Old Capitol Building housed almost the entire university from 1857 to 1863. As the school grew, the Old Capitol remained the focal point of the university, serving as a library, chapel, and armory, and providing space for classrooms and offices. On May 6, 2006, the Old Capitol Building was reopened to the public as a museum. All 3 levels serve as exhibit featuring history of the building, the university, and the state of Iowa, with changing exhibits on the ground floor. In the Old Senate Chamber presentations and concerts, including the Piano Sundays Concert, takes place. The Old Capitol dome is the University of Iowa’s logo and remains one of the most recognizable images and landmarks in the state of Iowa.

“Rose” Our Beautiful and Historic Steinway Piano

“Rose” is a historic 1878 Steinway concert grand at the University of Iowa’s Old Capitol Museum in Iowa City. The piano had fallen into disuse until 2006 when it was purchased by West Music. Steve West, who at that time was president of West Music, spoke with representatives from the Old Capitol Foundation of the University of Iowa and decided the beautiful rosewood piano should join the university family. The West Music team repaired and restored the piano then moved the piano to its current home in the Senate Chamber. At the time of the donation, the piano was determined to be one of only five of that model still in existence and valued at $73,200.

Since 2012 this piano has been used for all Piano Sundays concert. Piano Sundays is now entering its fifteenth year, and besides the virtual experience for guests, very little has changed. The concert still showcases the most talented University of Iowa faculty and students in the UI School of Music, featuring the historic rosewood piano in the elegance of the beautiful Senate Chamber.

Sources:
Iowa Old Capitol Building
Restored Burlington piano will make debut recital Sunday
University of Iowa Old Capitol Museum