Backstage in the Wachholz College Center in a temperature and humidity-controlled room sits an artisan-made piano that has made the tremendous journey from Wiener Nustadt, Austria to America. Gifted by an anonymous donor, the Bösendorfer Concert Grand 280VC is one of the best pianos a musician could acquire, a treasure that now offers the Flathead Valley a whole new world of sound. The Glacier Symphony Orchestra is the only orchestra in Montana to own a Bosendorfer Model 280VC, 9’ 2” Concert Grand Piano.

The Bösendorfer name is widely regarded for its elegant European handcraftsmanship. This father-and-son company was founded by Ignaz Bösendorfer, the son of a master carpenter, who later passed the torch to his son Ludwig Bösendorfer. In the 1800s, pianos were used primarily for home entertainment rather than stage performances. While used in hearth and home, the piano also played a major role during private salons and high-class gatherings, which served as exclusive events for local artists and composers. At one of these performances in Vienna in 1838, Franz Liszt played on a Bösendorfer Grand, and later became one of the first great Bösendorfer artists of his time. “The perfection of a Bösendorfer exceeds my wildest expectations,” he said. And thus the Bösendorfer name became famous overnight. Production spread worldwide, and with Ludwig at the helm, the company continued to flourish through the 1900s and beyond. Now, Bösendorfer is owned by Yamaha, but the Austrian manufactory remains fully independent as its own separate company. They produce around 300 instruments per year, handcrafted near the great musical center Vienna, Austria.

How do you know you are listening to a Bösendorfer piano? You will likely note the uniquely rich resonance brought about by its Viennese craftsmanship. The Bösendorfer is known for its characteristically warm yet brilliantly colorful sound. The 280VC Concert Grand in particular is known for its versatility and the ability to span musical genres and settings with ease. Among other features, the 280VC prides itself that it is made of more than 80% spruce tone wood (more than any other manufacturer) which creates an instrument that is acoustically alive, contributing to the mellifluous sound. It also has specially spun bass strings that create its warm, sonorous bass, and optimal controllability for the best articulation possible, from piano to fortissimo.

Piano tuner and rebuilder Greg Depner is the owner of Montana Piano Inc., Montana’s exclusive Bösendorfer dealer, and he identifies the brand as a leader of the industry.  “Established in 1828, Bösendorfer is the oldest piano maker in the world and their instruments are the pinnacle of piano building on the planet today,” he said. In an area known for its rural charm, it may surprise some that we now have access to this rare virtuosic instrument. But the anonymous donor to the Glacier Symphony Orchestra and Chorale had a great desire to open up new artistic possibilities and expressions of sound for the music-lovers of the Flathead Valley. Our guest performers have already expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for the instrument.

Celebrated pianist Alon Goldstein debuted the Bösendorfer during Glacier Symphony’s Season 43 Premiere, showcasing its prowess with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in Eb. Next, Anna Shelest (hailed as the “female reincarnation of Liszt”) paid homage to female composers during  Romantic Cathedral with Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor and Cécile Chaminade’s Konzertstück for Piano and Orchestra. The final opportunity to enjoy the Bösendorfer during Season 43 will be on April 18, when technically-brilliant Canadian pianist Sheng Cai will perform Maurice Ravel’s two piano concertos, a rare opportunity for audiences due to their challenging nature. And when Season 43 comes to a close, the Bösendorfer’s musical journey with the symphony will have only just begun. Innovative pianist Jeffrey Biegel will open Season 44 with American Rhapsody, a celebratory concert featuring both Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue and Peter Boyer’s new, popular work Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue.

Among great celebration and growing acclaim, Glacier Symphony’s new Bösendorfer 280VC Concert Grand has completed its international journey and found its new home — Kalispell, Montana. We invite you to stay tuned for opportunities to hear this impressive instrument played by our upcoming guest artists, as it begins its legacy of musical delight for those in the Flathead Valley and beyond. With many thanks to the anonymous donor, we celebrate the brand new horizons of sound and experience that have been opened, and look forward to sharing this exciting and enriching gift with our music-loving community.

Guest artist Alon Goldstein performs on the Bösendorfer piano during the 2026 Season 43 premiere.