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The history of the Steinway piano

In 2023, the piano came to the attention of Paul Leverett of Leverett pianos, an 160 year-old, family-run piano restoration company who has restored pianos for some of the world’s best concert pianists. At this time, Holy Sepulchre were looking for a model D Steinway worthy of the National Musicians’ Church and the connection with Leverett Pianos was made. A full rebuild and restoration of the entire instrument, inside and out, began in the autumn of 2024 and the piano will be arriving at Holy Sepulchre in the spring, no longer its original rose-gold but in contemporary black finish. A brand new piano but with a glorious history.

We not only want to find out where the piano has been played but who has played it. Do get in touch if you can help (email:office@hsl.church) .

This what we know so far:

1914- 1952

It is believed the Steinway was built in Hamburg, Germany, in 1914.

Little more is known: can you help?

The pianists during this time included: TBC

1952-1992

The Seventh day Adventist purchased the New Gallery Centre on 121-125 Regents Street, London in 1953 to be the evangelistic centre for the church in Central London. At the time many would have averaged the numbers of Adventist Church members at around 7000 in the whole of the UK.

The Adventists intended to make a big impact by purchasing the New Gallery Centre which included a Wurlitzer Theatre Organ which was a famous top ranged Organ at the time. The church also bought the Steinway Concert Piano to compliment the organ.

The Steinway was used for many inspiring worship services in the New Gallery on Regent Street for many years as well as accompanying professional singers including Uriel Porter a Famous Adventist Baritone Singer of the time. It accompanied children, youth , senior, and mass choirs of the time. Many grand concerts were performed over the years in which the Steinway starred.

The Adventist Church was in the New Gallery Centre from 1953 -1992. The centre remained vacant for 10 years after the Adventist Church relinquished ownership and then become a Habitat Store, and to date the New Gallery has been the flagship store for Burberry a fashion store.

The pianists during this time included: TBC

1992- 2024

In 1992 the Steinway was brought to its new home in the Advent Centre, Crawford Place, W1H 5JE and was used as the main musical accompaniment until around 2019/20. The nail in the coffin moment came when rain water came in through the roof leaking directly onto the Steinway. This was coupled with the fact that worship leaders and musicians were beginning to rely more upon electric keyboards and the desire for a more modern sound with much more musical options.

The pianists during this time included: TBC