Unlock Your Musical Potential: Community Fazioli Piano Day at EOU

Unlock Your Musical Potential: Community Fazioli Piano Day at EOU

LA GRANDE, Ore. – In what has become both a tradition and a community event, Eastern Oregon University is bringing one of the finest musical instruments in the region to the public on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Community Fazioli Piano Day invites members of the community to sign up and play the $150,000 Fazioli piano on stage at McKenzie Theatre in Loso Hall on the campus of EOU.

“We warmly invite community members of all ages and experience levels to come play and enjoy this beautiful instrument.” Mio Aoike, faculty member and pianist in the Music Department, said. “Whether you’re just starting, returning to the piano after many years, or play regularly, you are very welcome here. We invite the community to come and display their talents.”

This event is a special outreach project providing a unique opportunity for individuals to perform on a world-class instrument. By participating, individuals not only enrich the local musical community but can also support the EOU Music Scholarship Funds in the EOU Foundation.

While the event is free, donations from performers and audience members will be appreciated to support the EOU Music Scholarship funds at the EOU Foundation.

In December 2018, the EOU Foundation premiered the brand-new concert grand piano, the black Fazioli, at the Holiday Music Festival. Generous donors raised $150,000 to purchase, tune, and care for this high-quality instrument in 12 months. The successful campaign highlighted a growing culture of philanthropy and significantly increased engagement among alumni and donors at EOU.

The Fazioli replaced a 64-year-old piano that had been manufactured in 1953. The efforts to raise the $150,000 for the Fazioli worked in conjunction with a renovation of McKenzie Theatre.

“Our goal is simply to bring people together, share the joy of music, and make this extraordinary instrument accessible to everyone in a supportive and encouraging space,” Peter Wordelman, professor of music at EOU, said.

Hundreds of EOU students, community members, and guests perform alongside the grand piano in McKenzie Theatre every year. Dozens of events, from choir concerts and visiting artists to senior recitals and orchestra performances.

To participate in Community Fazioli Piano Day, simply sign up using this link: https://forms.gle/9LTijXXJbBrNpms88

Performances are free for all to enjoy, with donations welcomed to further music education at EOU.

The Music Department is planning a special program as a grand finale, so everyone is encouraged to stay.