Petrof Grand featured at New York’s Beseda Ball

APRIL 2011 - The annual Beseda Ball was held recently in the Grand Ballroom of the Bohemian National Hall, home of the Czech Consulate and the Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association (BBLA). Built in 1896, the Hall on New York’s Upper East Side had fallen into disrepair of late and has recently been fully restored as a result of a $14mm investment by the government of the Czech Republic.

“Beseda” is the name of a Czechoslovakian dance dating back to the 1860’s. The styles of several popular regional Beseda dances have been combined to create a national dance for large state and national celebrations.

Featured prominently at the gala event was a Petrof grand piano, model P II. Provided courtesy of Petrof USA, the hand crafted instrument delighted attendees with its deep and resonant tone. Built in the Czech Republic by the world renowned Petrof Company, “this instrument represents today’s careful evolvement of the historical ‘pianoforte’,” said Petrof USA CEO Al Rich. “The Petrof family’s 150 year history of respectful development has culminated in instruments which combine tradition and sensitive ‘best practices’ to produce these beautiful, legacy-quality pianos.”

A principle driving force behind this year’s successful Beseda gala is Mrs. Aja Vrzanova. A figure skater from her youngest years, ‘Aja’ began her champion climb in 1946 when she became the Czechoslovak Junior National Champion. Following this path she represented her country in the 1948 Winter Olympics and the following year she won her first World Championship title in Paris. After winning the 1950 European Figure Skating Championship, she won a second world title at the 1950 World Figure Skating Championship. Following her competitive career Mrs. Vrzanova traveled with the Ice Follies and worked for the Ice Capades.

“We are so pleased that a Petrof piano has such a place of prominence,” said Mrs. Vrzanova. “It is fitting that this wonderful example of Czech craftsmanship and engineering excellence is a part of our Gala celebration.”