Concert grand piano returns to Carpenter Theatre after 5-year hiatus

LINDY KEAST RODMAN/ Grand piano returns to Carpenter Center Piano movers Victor Barksdale (left) and Douglas Stanley guided the Richmond Symphony's 9-foot Steinway concert grand onto the CenterStage loading dock yesterday, en route to its new home in a climate-controlled room at the downtown performing arts complex opening Sept. 12. The piano was stored for five years after the Carpenter Center closed and the symphony played at other venues. The instrument was selected by the symphony's former music director, George Manahan, now conductor of the New York City Opera. Coincidentally, Manahan is in town this weekend, appearing at 3 p.m. tomorrow with the Richmond Chamber Players at Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 9201 W. Huguenot Road, in the Interlude 2009 series.