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This grand piano was donated to the collection in 2022. Most donations come from private individuals who want to find a good home for a cherished instrument, but in this case, it was different. In early 2021, we received a message from an employee of the Province of North Holland asking whether the Musical Instrument Fund would be interested in a Steinway grand piano that was located in the Provincial Government Building in Haarlem and for which a new home was being sought.

Of course we were interested in such a top-of-the-line grand piano! It was a relatively new Steinway of the beautiful B-211 model (a small concert grand) that had been purchased by the province with the intention of using it during events at the venue. In practice, however, it was used far less often than anticipated, and it became clear that it was a terrible shame to let such a beautiful instrument go to waste. Fortunately, the decision was made to approach the Musical Instrument Fund, and we were, of course, immediately very enthusiastic. A careful and extensive process followed; the Music Instrument Fund was evaluated as a candidate, and many discussions took place before the province ultimately decided to donate the grand piano to the Music Instrument Fund.

It was very important to the province that the Musical Instrument Fund be willing to find a specific home for this grand piano within the province of North Holland—preferably in a rural area and with a social purpose. As long as the Musical Instrument Fund does not have a candidate that meets all these conditions, a temporary home will be sought that meets the conditions as closely as possible. For example, the grand piano was previously placed at the concert venue Klassiek int Veen to replace a grand piano that needed to be refurbished, and it was recently installed at the Davidsbündler Academy, a new training institute for top talent in The Hague. The Musical Instrument Fund is immensely grateful to the province for its decision to allow this grand piano to be played, and we are honored that the Musical Instrument Fund has been entrusted with its management.