The Ben Franklin Global Forum, in partnership with Jacobs Music, the nation’s largest dealer of Steinway pianos, brought the legendary Steinway & Sons Model D Horowitz Piano, CD 503, to the Philadelphia region.

A 9-foot concert grand was given to world-famous pianist Vladimir Horowitz as a wedding present in 1934.

In the early 1940’s, this piano was replaced with #314503, now known simply as CD 503. This is the piano Horowitz kept in his New York townhouse. It was known to be one of the legendary concert pianist’s favorite instruments, and he used it in many recitals and recordings in the 70’s and 80’s. He would always insist that this piano be his exclusive touring instrument, and he required that it be craned out of his Manhattan apartment and delivered to the concert venue regardless of distance or cost.

The Forum worked with Jacobs Music’s expert technical staff to transport the piano to the Flourtown home of noted private investor and Forum patron Robert Marcin. Students from area music schools were invited to come on a Sunday morning and play this legendary instrument. A private fundraiser was held later in the day to benefit Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.