The Daily Alaska empire., 1950-03-13
MAXIM 5CHApIR0
 HERE TO DEDICATE
 COMMUNITY PLANO
Concert Thursday al 2Ofh Century Opens Concert
 Association Series

In a breather between strenuous stateside concert tours. Maxim Schapiro arrived yesterday from New York City, expressing himself as already refreshed by the idea of an Alaska vacation, and excited over the special event that brings him here. He will play the dedica- tory concert on Juneau's fine new piano.
 Schapiro, who gave impetus to the fund for community concert grand piano by a benefit concert October 28 which raised more than $500 in one evening, will realize a dream of own Thursday, as well as that of Juneau for a piano.
 The concert-size Baldwin grand is the instrument selected by Scha- piro in New York as ideal for Ju- neau."
 After his two-hour practice on it this morning, Schapiro said, "Oh, that noble instrument! It sounds even finer than when I tried it out in big warehouse in New York. Now I can really give Juneau per- formance of artistic merit"
 The ''unveiling" and the first public use of the concert grand will be at 8:30 p.m., Thursday in the 20th Century, the first concert in the spring series of the Juneau Con- cert Association.
 Schapiro feels very strongly that local artists" deserve much more credit than they are usually ac- corded.
 Why, it is the musicians who live in a city who stimulate love of music in the community, who con- tribute to it's pleasure and culture all year round, and who provide the reason for engaging outside artists like myself.
 Tn response to my earnest wish, " he said, the Juneau Concert Asso- citation has arranged for prominent Juneau artists to appear after the scheduled concert, in a sort ot classical jam session Thursday night. They, of all people. should share in the pleasure of the first use of the new community piano"
 Appearing in this special feature will be Corinne Kenway violinist, who will be accompanied by Ruth McVay Popejoy; Marye Berne Ehler, soprano, for whom Schapiro will accompany. and the instru- mental trio which received great acclaim in concert Friday evening. This trio numbers Jane McMullin, piano; Phyllis Langdon. violin; and William w. Reedy, cello.
 Although the last chapter of ac- quiring the piano remains to be written-or, rather, heard-the Ju- neau achievement has been wIoely publicized and a story is in prepara- ton for national publication. Schapiro reports that his friend. Ashley Pettis, prominent New York music critic and author, has re- ceived assurance from Readers Di- gest that his account of How a Community Bought a Grand Piano is scheduled for early publication. For Thursdays concert, Schapiro has selected a well-rounded pro- gram which includes re-fire pop ular numbers, and there has been hint that Gershwin will be in- cluded, although not listed on the program.
 The event dedicating the big concert grand promises to be an exciting and entertaining event, as well as genuine musical treat. Because of the special nature Of the concert. the Juneau Concert Association has reopened it's sale of membership tickets, which may be obtained from members or at many downtown locations, or at the door. These are priced at $500 and S2.5O (including tax) for adults and stu dents, respectively At least two con- certs are guaranteed, according to Ernest Ehler, association president.