On October 4, 2007, Barbara Nissman and Billy Joel joined Don Henley in performing at a fundraiser for the Walden Woods Project held in the Allen Room of “Jazz at Lincoln Center” in New York City. Among the notables at this exclusive $2,500-a-plate affair were Bette Midler, Ed Begley, Jr., Val Kilmer,  Rebecca de Mornay, and Georgina Ginastera of Buenos Aires, daughter of Argentine composer, Alberto Ginastera.

In 1990, Don Henley founded the Walden Woods Project, a nonprofit organization located just outside Boston, MA that advocates the global environment, preserves the land that inspired the iconic American writer/philosopher Henry David Thoreau, and furthers Thoreau's legacy through national/international education and research.  The Project has protected over 150 acres of once-endangered land in historic Walden Woods while reaching hundreds of teachers and students throughout the United States and beyond with educational programs related to Thoreau's philosophy on the environment and social reform.  Additional information on the organization may be found at www.walden.org.

The Walden Woods Project collaborated with Steinway and Sons on the creation of the Walden Woods Art Case Piano which was unveiled at the fundraiser.  The piano is a one-of-a-kind collector's item; a museum-quality work of art and, most importantly, a superior musical instrument. The Walden Steinway concert grand piano features the artistry of Silas Kopf, one of the world's finest marquetry artists.  The marquetry/inlaid wood on the Walden Steinway showcases the natural beauty and the rich flora and fauna found in the Massachusetts woods and ponds that inspired the writings of Henry David Thoreau.  The design of the piano honors Thoreau's legacy as the father of the American conservation movement. The piano has been played by an extraordinary and diverse group of artists, including Emanuel Ax, Evgeny Kissin, Billy Joel, Elton John, Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, Bruce Hornsby and Barbara Nissman.  Each of these artists has autographed the plate of the Walden Steinway.  The piano is available for purchase.  For more information, please call the Walden Woods Project at 1-800-554-3569.  Proceeds from the purchase of the Walden Steinway will support the mission of the Walden Woods Project.

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