Piano selected for the Sydney Opera House and autographed by Vladimir Ashkenazy to go on sale.

A historic black beauty, AKA Mr Ashkenazy’s Steinway piano, is to go on sale.

In 1991, the much loved and revered pianist and conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy selected (and autographed) a Steinway D-274 for the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. This magnificent instrument became affectionately known as SD6 because it was number 6 in a line of Steinway Concert Grands to be purchased by the Sydney Opera House since its opening in 1973.

During her tenure SD6 brought magic to thousands of musical performances through the hands of world renowned pianists in solo recitals and performances with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Now, this grand old lady is being put up for sale.

In the time honoured tradition of Steinway, each instrument is hand crafted meticulously and painstakingly over 12 months with absolute dedication and sensitivity. Because each is made by hand, no two Steinway pianos are alike; each has her own individual soul and distinctive character. This may be one reason why the Steinway & Sons pianos are the benchmark of excellence around the world.

Now that she has retired from the Opera House Concert...