LATROBE, PA – The personal pianos of Fred and Joanne Rogers will be featured together publicly for the first time in a duo concert as the Fred Rogers Institute (FRI) presents “Sounds of the Neighborhood” at Saint Vincent College.
The classical tribute featuring an evening of piano music performed by accomplished pianists and sisters Gloria Cook and Cynthia Lawing is scheduled for 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, inside the Fred M. Rogers Center (Room AB) on the College campus. Doors open at 7 p.m.
The concert honors both Fred and Joanne Rogers not only for their lasting impact on children and families, but also for their deep love of music.
Following the passing of the beloved television personality from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” in 2003, and his wife’s passing in 2021, the pianos (Fred’s Steinway and Joanne’s Bechstein) were gifted to the FRI. They are now being moved for the first time from the Institute’s office, making the evening a rare and meaningful opportunity to hear these beloved instruments come to life.
“We are thrilled to share these beautiful pianos with our community,” said Emma Swift Lee, executive director of the Fred Rogers Institute. “Fred and Joanne were both gifted and passionate musicians, and to see their personal instruments brought to life by Gloria Cook and Cynthia Lawing is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
The program will begin with “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” an arrangement by Daniel Crozier, featuring classics from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Crozier is Fred Rogers’ nephew. The evening will then continue with an elegant selection of classical piano works performed by Cook and Lawing.
The pianos were initially in the Rogers’ home in Pittsburgh, where the two would duet. Fred’s Steinway is the larger of the two pianos and was purchased for Fred in 1936 by his grandmother, Nancy McFeely, from the Steinway & Sons store in downtown Pittsburgh.
Joanne’s Bechstein piano was purchased by the couple during a trip to Berlin, Germany, in 1972.
According to a letter that Fred wrote to a friend, the couple spent two days at the Bechstein factory. The first day was spent playing a wide range of piano models in the factory, while the second day was spent working with the chief technician to bring the piano they had chosen to the exact tone and touch that they wanted.
“I don’t know when I’ve had such a good time,” Fred wrote in the letter. “It was like helping to fashion one’s own piano. We worked on each of the 88 notes. The whole thing is a beauty. It’s even beautiful to look at. Joanne says it’s best for impressionistic music and the Steinway across the room is better for more bombastic things. We’re very lucky to have them.”
This special event is free to attend thanks to the generous support of the McFeely-Rogers Foundation. Preregistration is required. Free parking is available in Lot A next to the Rogers Center. The event is not specifically designed for children, but families are welcome. Semi-formal attire is appreciated.
