An architect-crafted piano that gives the pianist a sense of envelopment and comfort will debut tonight at Carnegie Hall. Designed by Rafael Viñoly with input from renowned pianists Martha Argerich and Daniel Barenboim, the piano features a curved keyboard and improved action, soundboard, and lid design. It also has a straight-strung layout, enabling distinctive sound variations among octaves. Pianist Jonathan Biss will play Beethoven’s “Emperor” concerto on this piano, which costs $509,000, and its arrival at Carnegie Hall necessitated storage under the main stage due to its size.
Meanwhile, the United States Tennis Association considers adding underground “bunker suites” with $175,000 access during the U.S. Open. This move, reflecting a broader trend of catering to high-paying customers, has sparked concerns about further widening the divide between the wealthy and regular fans attending the event. Tournament officials are contemplating a renovation of Arthur Ashe Stadium akin to Madison Square Garden’s billion-dollar upgrade in 2013.
In other news, a recent online poll revealed the upscale luxury options under consideration and received mixed reactions from the public. Some even consider the move to further develop luxe as overkill. Meanwhile, in New York, a writer muses on crying in public as a cathartic experience, reflecting on shedding tears on the subway and meeting an ex-boyfriend.
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