Run-ins happen all the time around the Koch Theater, especially now that our artists and rehearsal staff are returning to get ready for the fall season.  Still, this blogger wasn't expecting my discovery while we were taking pictures for the construction update post yesterday.  There on the promenade was a massive collection of pianos that seemed to keep growing as we watched.

 

 

It turns out there's going to be a piano sale at the Koch Theater this Thursday through Sunday, and the company behind it, Piano Clearing House of Westchester, is run by NYCO Alum Christopher Pfund.  Chris covered the role of Emilio when Partenope first came to New York City Opera, and originated the role of Goro in Mark Lamos' production of Madama Butterfly when it premiered at Glimmerglass.

 

 

Chris says that he's found the perfect balance in his life between a career in singing and having a steady day job.  He sings as a soloist with orchestras across the country, including the Philadelphia, Houston, and Pittsburgh Orchestras.  When he's not travelling to perform, his days include coming in to work and practicing first thing (he rotates which piano he uses, of course!), spending his days surrounded by music, and going home to his wife (also a singer) and three children, all of whom love music passionately.  Chris began as a pianist before learning to sing, and he especially loves hand-built and rare pianos.

 

When I asked what he'd be seeing this season at City Opera, there was little on the menu that was off his list.  "Of course I'll want to see Partenope and Butterfly again," he said, "It was such a special experience working in Butterfly with [Mark Lamos] at Glimmerglass.  I miss him.  He's so great, I'll have to see L'Étoile, too...and I did [Weisgall's] Six Characters in search of an Author when I was at Manhattan School of Music so I would love to see Esther."

 

 

The piano sale is happening in partnership with the Koch Theater, New York City Opera, New York City Ballet, Kawai Pianos, and Piano Clearing House of Westchester with about 150 pianos on sale ranging from $1,500 to $100,000.  You can make an appointment to view the pianos Thursday-Saturday by calling 888.405.7888 or just come by the Koch Theater anytime on Sunday.