Worldful of Pianos to Gather Global Pianists for NAMM's Believe in Music Week

December 11, 2020

At NAMM's Believe in Music week, the online global gathering to support the people who bring music to the world, The NAMM Foundation, in collaboration with Steinway & Sons and the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, is hosting a new virtual event to celebrate the piano and pianists: Worldful of Pianos.

Held in an online video environment, Worldful of Pianos will feature five luminaries streamed live from the Steinway & Sons Piano Factory in New York. Pianists from around the world will be invited to participate by downloading Mozart's Rondo Alla Turca, enabling them to play along with the ensemble during the live event. Participants will be encouraged to participate in the virtual event to create an environment of joyous music making across the globe.

"While many of us find ourselves at home, there is no better time to explore the responsive and resounding experience of playing the piano," says Mary Luehrsen, NAMM Foundation Executive Director. "Alongside the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, we look forward to welcoming new and returning pianists to join the event in song."

The Lang Lang International Music Foundation's mission is to ensure that all children have access to music education regardless of their background. Currently, the Foundation reaches more than 60 schools comprising over 25,000 students across the country with their Keys of Inspiration grant program. Lang Lang and the Foundation believe that "when you give a child the gift of music, you give a child the world.”

Worldful of Pianos will debut on Thursday, January 21st at 2:00 pm (Pacific) and will be live on BelieveinMusic.tv. NAMM cordially invites pianists from around the world to register to join the performance. Even beginning players are welcome - over a dozen university piano professors have signed up to coach anyone who needs some pointers over video chat to help them play along for the live event.

The online celebration mirrors the much-loved Roomful of Pianos held annually at The NAMM Show, where multi-piano performances by dozens of players provide an inspirational event. In previous NAMM Show gatherings, performances have taken place with multi-piano performances for dozens of players from around the world where the nation's foremost assemblage of pianos and their manufactures are featured.

Believe in Music week, the online global gathering to unite and support the people who bring music to the world, will take place over the week of January 18, 2021, at BelieveinMusic.tv. The week features a mix of comprehensive programming and professional education at BelieveinMusic.tv, as well as an interactive marketplace to connect buyers and sellers – all designed to elevate the innovation and inspiration found across the industry while offering support for those most deeply affected by COVID. The event will also provide live music, including a Global Livestream, content, and product discovery for all who believe in music, connecting music makers and enthusiasts worldwide. Register here.

Hashtag: #BelieveinMusic

About Steinway & Sons

Since 1853, the Steinway has set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty, and investment value. Because of a dedication to continuous improvement, today’s Steinway remains the choice of 9 out of 10 concert artists, and is the preferred piano of countless musicians, professional and amateur, throughout the world. For more information, visit www.steinway.com.

About the Lang Lang International Music Foundation

We believe that all children should have access to a music education, regardless of their background. At the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, we strive to educate, inspire, and motivate the next generation of music lovers and performers. Our unique programs encourage music performance at all levels as a means of social and emotional development for today’s youth. By igniting a child’s passion for music, we are helping children worldwide aim for a better future. For more information about the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, please visit www.langlangfoundation.org

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 10,300 members located in 104 countries and regions. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.