Pianos get their closeup in new exhibition at Calgary’s National Music Centre

A new exhibition exploring 325 years of the piano opens Saturday at Calgary's National Music Centre.

The National Music Centre (NMC) is celebrating the 325th anniversary of the piano with a new exhibition.

Piano 325 celebrates and showcases the stories of some of the builders and manufacturers who played a large role in the evolution of one of the most important and versatile musical instruments, one which has influenced and helped shape composers from Beethoven to Stevie Wonder – and beyond.

That means featuring names such as Broadwood & Sons, Heintzman & Co., Steinway & Sons as well as piano pioneers like Johannes Zumpe.

A number of historic instruments from the National Music Centre collection will be showcased, including an 1899 Broadwood grand piano, which debuted at the Paris World Fair in 1900.

There will also be featured pianos being showcased with live demonstrations on weekends, starting with performances by musician and music educator Kenna Burima on Saturday and pianist and composer Sarah Houston on Sunday.

“The piano is one of the most influential and adaptable instruments in history,” said NMC president and CEO Andrew Mosker, in a media release. “In honour of the piano’s 325th anniversary, we’ll be giving visitors an opportunity to learn how this remarkable invention has shaped music as we know it.”

“We’re exploring the NMC archive to showcase some of our rarest and most exquisite pieces that have left a lasting mark on music history,” said NMC collections and exhibitions director Jesse Moffatt. “Throughout the year, we’ll be rotating our most cherished pianos, allowing visitors to witness the piano’s extraordinary journey.”

Piano 325 opens Saturday and runs through Jan. 11, 2026. For more information, go here: https://www.studiobell.ca/