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Send a Piano to Cuba

06 Nov 03 - 12:21 PM (#1049256)
Subject: Send a Piano to Cuba
From: The Shambles

This would seem to be a very worthy cause - I am surprised that I only heard of it on a TV programme yesterday.

http://www.sendapiana.com/index.htm

In a nutshell - the pianos in Cuba are old, termite ridden and in need of regular tuning. These folk are trying to improve this sad situation.


06 Nov 03 - 12:39 PM (#1049271)
Subject: RE: Send a Piano to Cuba
From: Allan C.

Further reading reveals:

"We're not shipping pianos now. With 210 delivered and 30 on the way as of October 2003, the Island is listing under the weight. Our focus has shifted to our new building for the Newton Hunt Workshop/School Of Tuning And Instrument Repair At The National School Of Music. It needs a roof among other things before we can load in more pianos."


06 Nov 03 - 01:04 PM (#1049286)
Subject: RE: Send a Piano to Cuba
From: McGrath of Harlow

Lovely quote in there:

"What began as a plan to confound the embargo by sending pianos over in spite of the blockade, became a tax-deductible project when the Department of Commerce unexpectedly licensed the shipments. Final approval was given by the Office of Missile and Nuclear Technology, with the sole condition that the pianos not be used for 'torture or human rights abuse'. "

Mind, I've known a few pianists who might be accused of breaking that last condition.


09 Nov 03 - 01:13 AM (#1050507)
Subject: RE: Send a Piano to Cuba
From: Hrothgar

So don't send them any pianists.


09 Nov 03 - 07:48 AM (#1050572)
Subject: RE: Send a Piano to Cuba
From: Skipjack K8

Craig Shergold, of 56 Selby Road, Carshalton is collecting them now, I believe.


09 Nov 03 - 08:10 AM (#1050577)
Subject: RE: Send a Piano to Cuba
From: Oaklet

If he wasn't before, Skip - he is now.