Fazioli Pianoforte, maker of some of the best pianos in the world, makes a mark in Vancouver

In 2007, after hearing about Westbank’s plans to build the Shangri-La Vancouver hotel, Manuel Bernaschek started making contact with the local developer.

“I made it a goal,” Bernaschek said. “I wanted to get a Fazioli piano in that hotel.”

Bernaschek had just opened his shop Showcase Pianos, in part to represent Fazioli Pianoforte, the Italian piano company known for its bespoke instruments. The piano enthusiast persisted with calls, emails, and baked goods. Eventually, Westbank gave in, paying less than half of the Fazioli’s market value.

But, since that deal, Westbank has purchased 26 Faziolis, more than any other private citizen, school, or business. Some are in the company’s buildings, such as Shangri-La Vancouver, Fairmont Pacific Rim, Shangri-La Toronto, and Telus Garden. Others have been gifted. And for each of the other 25, the company has paid full price, ranging from $165,000 for a baby grand to $900,000 for a piano designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma to match Shangri-La Vancouver’s interior wood panelling.