Our Mother’s Piano
Our Mother’s Piano
Our Mother, Allie Herman, was born Alice Suroff in Toronto in 1911. She lived with her parents and six older siblings in a small home on Grace Street. As a child, she studied classical piano on her family’s modest upright piano and always hoped that one day she would have a piano of her own.
When she and our father purchased a home eight years after their marriage, the first piece of furniture she bought was an upright piano. Her dream of owning a Grand piano was realized eight years later when our family moved to a larger home.
Mother began studying piano again but this time it was popular music that became her music of choice. Scales and tunes played on that ebony Heintzman Grand were heard throughout our home as our Mother played and both of us practiced daily, in preparation for our weekly lessons.
After the passing of our parents, the seventy-year old piano became ours; however, its interior was in need of complete restoration. The Piano Technology Program at the Faculty of Music at the University of Western Ontario completed the work. For the past six years, the piano has been on loan at the Royal Conservatory of Music.
We are delighted that our Mother’s piano has found its permanent home at Holy Blossom Temple. We believe this to be the ideal venue to honour her memory for she was confirmed at Holy Blossom’s Bond Street site in 1927. Now the fourth generation of our family will enjoy the music emanating from their great grandmother’s piano.
Wendy Eisen and Carole Zucker
What a wonderful story – and such a gift for Holy Blossom. I too grew up with a Heintzman baby grand to practise on and the tone and feel are wonderful. How fortunate for us. thank you so much.
This lovely gift truly honours your mother’s memory; it will certainly create a lasting legacy that enhances the services at Holy Blossom Temple for years to come. Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing the history of the piano which you have donated to Holy Blossom. Your story warmed my heart.
My Dad also grew up on Grace Street.
How lovely! your mother’s piano and its beautiful music will be cherished by many for years. Thank you for sharing her her piano and the story behind it.