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Teenage contest winner treats Villa Louis guests to recital

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Tristan Anderson, 15, of New Lisbon, played a short concert Sunday on the Villa Louis' fully-restored Steinway Centennial D grand piano, for family, friends and historic site staff. He was the winner of a recent Facebook video contest. (Photos by Correne Martin)

Playing classical and contemporary songs with no sheet music, Tristan Anderson delighted a small group gathered in the parlor of the Villa Louis.

By Correne Martin

A 15-year-old pianist shared his awe-inspiring gift of melodies on the Villa Louis Historic Site’s fully-restored Steinway Centennial D grand piano Sunday, March 25.

Tristan Anderson, of New Lisbon, treated a dozen parlor guests to an hour of classical and contemporary tunes, playing about 15 songs by memory with no sheet music in sight. His smooth movements at the keys created both gentle and intense tones on the Steinway. 

Tristan was the winner of the Villa Louis’ February Facebook video contest, through which musicians were asked to submit a 30-second video of themselves playing their favorite classical piece. He earned over 3,000 views and received about 230 “likes” for his rendition of Beethoven’s “Für Elise,” which garnered him the honor of playing a recital at the Villa Louis’ 1879 grand piano. 

Three other contestants entered the competition: Claire Harding (108 likes), Donia Russell (49 likes) and Katie Drier (48 likes). 

On recital day, Tristan, the son of Amy and Terry Anderson, came dressed in trendy gray pants and a floral dress shirt. Chewing gum quietly to calm his nerves, he played a vast song list, from “Für Elise” (1810) to “Say Something,” by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera (2013). He grinned slightly between songs, as the small group applauded his talents. Otherwise, not another sound could be heard in the room during this once-in-a-lifetime concert. 

Tristan said he’s been playing piano for about seven years, the last few, in fact, without an instructor. To learn a new song, he simply sits down for “a couple hours” and teaches himself via sheet music or by ear. 

Tristan’s mom, Amy, used to play piano but never to quite the extent that her son does these days. Her father, Tristan’s grandfather, played accordion for over 40 years however. He proudly reminisced while sitting in the audience Sunday. 

In addition to piano, Tristan also plays guitar, sings and plays baseball, among other activities. He has two brothers. 

While the recital on the Steinway was the highlight of the day for the Andersons, the family also received a behind-the-scenes tour of the mansion as part of the contest prize.

Steinway and Sons created the innovate masterpiece, the Centennial D, in 1879, as one of just over 400 ever made. Following a full restoration in 2012, this world-class instrument sounds better than ever and is surrounded by the same luxury and elegance that housed it throughout the end of the 19th century.

Prior to Sunday’s event, the Steinway received its annual tuning courtesy of Tim Farley, of Farley’s House of Pianos in Madison.

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