GEORGE J. MICHALSKI

Born in Poland, pianos were to become the life work and passion of George Michalski.

His adolescent years were spent in music school learning keyboard and wood-wind instruments. In 1957, at the age of 25, he decided to make his passion his profession and was admitted to the Poznan School of Piano Technology in Poznan, Poland. He received his Masters of Piano Technology in 1963. That same year, he opened up his first piano restoration shop in Elblag, Poland. Two years later, he and his wife, Alice, immigrated to Australia.

In 1967, Steinway & Sons facilitated his family’s move from Australia to Buffalo, New York. This was the beginning of a 35 year association with Steinway. One year later, George took his skills to Smiley Brothers, the exclusive Steinway outlet in Detroit, Michigan.

After 12 years with Smiley Brothers, George established the Forte Piano Company in Detroit, Michigan. Michalski has prepared instruments for concert pianists Oscar Peterson and Witolt Malcurzynski. The Detroit concert Hall and others around the country enjoy the sound of his pianos.

Many famous instruments have passed through the gifted hands of George Michalski, but none as breathtaking and significant as his 1904 Steinway Golden Grand.