Pianist Lara Downes performs Florence Price's concerto on a Yamaha CFX with The Philadelphia Orchestra. Experience the CFX at Cunningham Piano today.
Cunningham Piano is thrilled to celebrate a powerful musical moment happening right here in Philadelphia. This May, acclaimed pianist Lara Downes joins The Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin for a series of unforgettable concerts, performing Florence Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement on a Yamaha CFX Concert Grand Piano —the pinnacle of Yamaha’s craftsmanship and a favorite among top-tier pianists.
🗓 Concert Dates:
Friday, May 23 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, May 24 at 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 29 at 7:30 PM
📍 Marian Anderson Hall, Kimmel Center
🌟 About Lara Downes
Lara Downes is a trailblazing pianist, Billboard chart-topping recording artist, NPR host, and visionary arts advocate. She was named 2022 Classical Woman of the Year by Performance Today, and her artistry bridges the past and present through genre-defying collaborations and bold explorations of cultural identity in music.
Lara is known for her profound dedication to uncovering hidden musical voices, particularly those of Black composers. As the founder of Rising Sun Music , she has brought the work of historically overlooked composers to new audiences. Her latest album, Love at Last (Pentatone), debuted at #1 on both Billboard and Amazon charts and was spotlighted in an NPR Tiny Desk concert.
Her appearance with The Philadelphia Orchestra marks a triumphant return after her debut in 2022, and this time she takes center stage on the Yamaha CFX , one of the world’s most powerful and expressive concert grand pianos.
🎼 The Program: A Journey of Sound and Soul
This rich, two-part program opens with Florence Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement , a revival of a long-overlooked masterpiece that blends classical form with the rhythms and spirit of African American musical traditions. Rediscovered in its original orchestration in 2018, this 1934 work is finally receiving the attention it deserves—and Lara Downes brings it to life with unparalleled insight and soul.
After intermission, audiences will be treated to one of classical music’s most transcendent works: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (“Choral”) , a towering testament to unity, joy, and the enduring hope for humanity.
🎹 Why the Yamaha CFX Matters
The Yamaha CFX Concert Grand Piano is renowned for its powerful tone, responsive action, and rich, nuanced voice. As an authorized Yamaha dealer, Cunningham Piano is proud to support artists and performances that showcase the CFX’s unmatched artistry and engineering. Lara Downes’ choice of this instrument underscores the piano’s stature among the world's elite performers.
🎧 Can’t Attend in Person?
The Philadelphia Orchestra will broadcast these performances on WRTI 90.1 FM and WRTI HD2 , allowing listeners to experience this remarkable concert from anywhere. Visit wrti.org for more details.
🎼 Experience the Yamaha CFX for Yourself
Inspired by Lara Downes’ performance? Discover the same breathtaking power and expressive depth of the Yamaha CFX Concert Grand Piano at our Cunningham Piano showroom . Whether you’re a concert pianist, educator, or passionate enthusiast, come hear and feel what makes the CFX one of the most sought-after instruments in the world.
📍 Call us at 215-438-3200 to schedule your private demo of the Yamaha CFX.