PETROF HISTORY: PIANOS FROM THE HEART OF EUROPE

REQUEST STEINWAY INVENTORY SALES LIST

PETROF HISTORY: PIANOS FROM THE HEART OF EUROPE

April 21, 2022

PETROF HISTORY: PIANOS FROM THE HEART OF EUROPE

HISTORY OF THE PETROF BRAND

Take a brief scroll through the history and journey of the six generations of the Petrof family. We are the proud merchant for Petrof in the area and look forward to showing you their magnificent pianos. Come into our store to play and enjoy this wonderful brand.

Let us go back together into the past, when Antonín Petrof laid the foundations of the factory - now the largest producer of acoustic pianos in Europe - and recall the tortuous destinies of all six generations of the Petrofs and of the master piano-makers who work to this day in this honorable craft and family tradition.

1839

BIRTH OF THE COMPANY FOUNDER, ANTONÍN PETROF

1857

Antonín Petrof goes to Vienna to learn how to build grand pianos at the companies: HEITZMAN, EHRBAR, SCHWEIGHOFER

1864

Construction of first PETROF grand piano; founding of company

1865

Antonín Petrof transforms his father’s joinery workshop into a piano maker’s workshop in the old town behind the Cathedral of Svatý Duch (Holy Ghost)

1866

Austro-Prussian battle at Hradec Králové – production is interrupted

1874

New factory; production of harmoniums

1880

A subsidiary in Temesvar in Hungary is opened

1881

The company starts keyboard production and the construction of action

1883

Start of upright piano production

1895

Export of instruments; service centre and warehouse in Vienna

1899

Antonín Petrof appointed court piano maker for Austria-Hungary

1908

The company is transformed into a limited liability company, and Marie Petrofová is the confidential clerk. Not only the founder, but also his sons Jan, Jan, Antonín and from 1914 the youngest Vladimír (2ndgeneration) work for the company

1915

After deaths of Antonín Petrof and his wife Marie the company passes to the youngest son Vladimír

1924

Production of electro-pneumatic pianos and later radio-acoustic pianos is introduced. PETROF now exports also to Japan, China, Australia and South America

1928

3rd PETROF generation managing the company; together with STEINWAY PETROF opens office in London

1934

Grand Prix gold medal in Brussels

1948

Nationalisation of company

1954

Founding of Development Department

1958

EXPO Brusel gold medal (PETROF Mondial)

1991

4th PETROF generation managing the firm under Jan Petrof

1994

A new modern research centre is opened with its own large-capacity free-field measuring chamber, the largest of its kind in the Czech Republic

1997

Továrna na pianina, a. s. is established in Hradec Králové

1998

Privatisation of the company by PETROF, spol. s r. o. is finalised

1999

135th anniversary of establishment of the PETROF company

2001

Factory returns to hands of Petrof family

2003

Patenting of Magnetically Accelerated Action (MAA)

2004

Zuzana Ceralová Petrofová becomes company president; company celebrates 140th anniversary

2005

Mgr. Zuzana Ceralová Petrofová is appointed president of the European Federation of Music Instrument Manufacturers – CAFIM

2007

Certificate of European Excellence (EEX)

2008

Opening of the subsidiary PETROF USA

2009

New generation of grand pianos

2009

Cooperation with an audio-legend Mark Levinson (cabinets for speakers for high-end audio system DANIEL HERTZ)

2012

Introduction of the new upright piano P 127 Next, the new instrument of modern design (Modern collection)

2013

Opening of the PETROF Museum, director Ivana Petrof, the 5th generation of Petrof family

2014

Launch of new premium brand ANT. PETROF; company celebrates 150th anniversary

2015

Zuzana Ceralová Petrofová is named MANAGER OF THE YEAR

2016

PETROF Art Family project (PAF)

2017

Opening of a new cultural and commercial centre PETROF Gallery

2018

Anna Prousková, PETROF Gallery director (6th generation of the Petrof family)

Come on in to our store and play these pianos for yourself. We are Arizonas most trusted piano store and look forward to showing you why. 




Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Southwest Pianos Blog

Choosing the Perfect Piano: What to Consider Before Buying
Choosing the Perfect Piano: What to Consider Before Buying

March 26, 2025

Buying a piano is an exciting and significant investment, whether you’re a seasoned pianist or just starting your musical journey. With so many options available, it’s important to choose one that fits your needs, budget, and space. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process.

Continue Reading

Caring for Your Acoustic Piano Through Changing Seasons
Caring for Your Acoustic Piano Through Changing Seasons

March 08, 2025

Your piano isn’t a piece of furniture; it’s an heirloom, a creative outlet, and an investment. Protecting it from the effects of the changing seasons ensures it remains a source of joy and music for years to come.

Continue Reading

The Sound of New Beginnings: Unveiling the Benefits of Buying a Brand New Piano
The Sound of New Beginnings: Unveiling the Benefits of Buying a Brand New Piano

February 27, 2025

When it comes to making music, there's something distinctly magical about the gleaming keys of a brand new piano. Whether you're a seasoned pianist or a budding musician, investing in a brand new piano can be a transformative experience. 

Continue Reading