Life of Guangzhou - [Shenzhen] Century-old Grand Pianos To Call Shenzhen Home

Mr. Shen Kun's collection includes a 19th Century
Collard & Collard Grand Piano from Great Britain

A Piano Museum in Shenzhen will house more than 100 antique pianos from around the world, if Shen Kun has his way. In an interview with Guangzhou Daily, piano enthusiast and owner of the collection, Mr. Shen explained how he had became attached to the pianos, and of his 30 years of joys and difficulties searching antique markets all over the world. He also spoke of his final decision to house the pianos in mainland China.

Mr. Shen's treasure hunt for delicate and precious pianos has cost him a great deal of time and money, and it's not been without its surprises.

His most touching experience was in the early 1980s. A friend had told him of an antique piano in England, owned by a 70-year-old grandmother. Hearing the news, he rushed to England immediately to find the piano was brilliant indeed. The lady told him the piano had belonged to her grandmother and that she cherished it so much she was reluctant to sell. But the story had a happy ending, when Mr. Shen's sincerity moved her to sell it to him - for 1 pound! He was completely taken by surprise. People only give their treasures away to those they trust to cherish them as much as they do. The 1 pound was only a token payment.

Before Mr. Shen removed the piano, the lady had already cleaned it carefully. As it was leaving the house, she constantly reminded Mr. Shen, "This is the keyboard wiping cloth. That is the polish for the piano." Almost everything related to the piano was given to him, including some music scores. Transportation expenses totaled nearly ten thousand pounds, but to Mr. Shen the cost meant nothing.

After almost 30 years of collecting, Mr. Shen has more than 100 antique pianos. The oldest dates back 256 years, with the youngest a "mere" 86 years old.

Asked why he wanted to find a home for the pianos in Shenzhen, Mr. Shen said that almost all his family had immigrated to the U.S., and that settling the pianos that had cost him several decades to collect, was like a heavy weight on his heart. His greatest wish was "to settle the antique pianos in a suitable place, forever".

Many years ago, a Japanese merchant came to Taiwan, intending to buy all his pianos. The man offered Mr. Shen a blank cheque, in effect saying he could name his own price. However, even that was not enough to separate him from his pianos. He considered transporting the entire collection to the U.S., where he knew they would be treated well, but later thought there were so many pianos in the U.S. that his collection was not really "necessary" for America. Finally, he decided to send them to mainland China where there were so few antique pianos, and where they would gain the attention they deserved.

He felt that more and more Chinese were developing an interest in pianos and antiques from western countries and could even relate their history, evolution and development. Deciding on a Piano Museum, he took similar facilities in Vienna for reference in that the Museum would be the centerpiece with a concert hall and a plaza outside. On weekdays, pianos would be on show in the museum, while at weekends, concerts could be held in the plaza or concert hall to give the general public the chance to appreciate the old masters being played again.

At last report, Mr. Shen has signed a preliminary letter of intent with city authorities to commence active planning for the Piano Museum. Both parties have held discussions and it is expected that Mr. Shen's exhibition will open in Shenzhen by 2007, which coincides with the 300th anniversary of the invention of the piano as an instrument. Initially, 34 pianos will be on show.

Construction of the Piano Museum will be carried out in line with the exhibition. When it is complete, an estimated 100 pianos will be moved to their new home. Mr. Shen is even considering placing his 8 meter high pipe organ – from an English church - in an eye-catching position. It will be a magnificent addition to Shenzhen.
(Translated by Nicole Chik and Proofread by Professor David Kelleway, www.lifeofguangzhou.com)