When Spokane native Dr. Marjorie Winderman died in 2007, she bequeathed her cherished 1920s Chickering baby grand piano to benefit future opera singers.

She also directed her son, Michael Winderman, to have the piano completely restored. In 2008 Michael contacted his mother's piano technician, Scott Colwes of Coeur d'Alene. That meeting began the process of a complete refurbishing taking the most of four years.

Parts and materials have been assembled from around the world to duplicate old world craftsmanship with the touch, tone and finish.

"This heirloom quality piano compares with new instruments selling in the $50,000 range," says Colwes. "The red ribbon mahogany, with a traditional satin lacquer finish is timeless. It is a parlor size piano with concert tone and will highlight any home."

The next opportunity to hear the Chickering will be from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30 at The Terraces condominiums overlooking The Coeur d'Alene Resort and Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Greg Presley, has put together a program of Chopin, Debussy, Schuman and Gershwin for the classical set with the inimitable jazz pianist Pearl Harwood with vocalist Ruth Pratt in a "Great American Songbook" set.

The Chickering Company, the first American piano company, was established in Boston in 1823.

This Chickering will be sold to the highest bidder to raise funds to endow the Marjorie Winderman Fund at the Inland Northwest Community Foundation.

Mark Faulkner, co-founder of Opera Coeur d'Alene (Opera Plus!) is in charge of the project.

"We're marketing the piano through a series of 'audition' concerts so that the public can hear this wonderful piano and, possibly, buy it," Faulkner said.

Young singers will be able to apply for financial support to further their studies and careers. Proceeds, as well as gifts by friends of Marjorie and lovers of opera should insure this fund for many years, he said.

Raised in Kootenai County, Winderman graduated from Rathdrum High School, the University of Idaho and the University of Utah Medical School. She was involved in establishing Kootenai County's Paramedic program and was Bonner General Hospital's first full-time Emergency Room physician. She excelled in skiing, figure skating, basketball and baseball.

In her retirement, she and her son operated "The Bookery," used books, on Sherman Avenue in Coeur d'Alene. She loved music, above all, opera. She wanted her Chickering to further the careers of young singers.

Wines and cheeses will add to the pleasures of the afternoon soiree.

Reservations, at $30 per person, may be made by contacting Faulkner at 664-2827. Seating is limited.