Working late one night on the second floor of Steinway Hall in New York City, Sally Coveleskie and Peter Goodrich heard soft strains of a student piano recital rising from the lower level in the historic building at West 57th Street. A water cooler conversation turned introspective, as the Steinway executives reflected on the significance of similar events in their formative years. “Those early lessons steered us toward careers in music,” says Sally, who spearheaded institutional sales. “We realized ­­– like many people who ever sat in front of a keyboard ‑ that pianos quickly become a friend for life.”
Peter, who led worldwide concert and artist activities, understood the connections forged between pianists and their pianos. “Each Steinway has its own personality that is carefully selected to match the taste of the artist, and seeds of unique relationships can be sown from very first public performances before family, friends and teachers.”     
To emphasize the importance of such nurtured bonds, they toyed with the idea of creating a book for children.  But there could be no story without spectacular illustrations – something to capture the heart and soul of a magical piano as seen through the eyes of a child.
Enter Laura Friedman, whose extraordinary skills as an illustrator could embrace the creative challenge of putting a human face on an inanimate instrument that comes to life.
“I drew on the privilege of meeting Henry Z. Steinway, the last living member of the Steinway family to be affiliated with the company. His gentle spirit, contagious kindness, and untold generosity provided a whimsical inspiration that I needed to immerse myself in this wonderful project.”
Twenty years have passed since “Henry the Steinway” made his debut.
Sally, Peter and Laura trust you will enjoy the encore.