Music department hosts Sept. 19 concert to dedicate Steinway

The EMU music department is pleased to present a gift of classical music on a classic instrument that is also a gift to the music program.

A dedicatory concert in honor of a Steinway piano recently gifted to the department by Bob Gillette of Suffolk, Va., and refurbished by a gift from Mrs. Geraldine Sherwood of Fairfax, Va., will be held 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in the Recital Hall on ground floor of Lehman Auditorium.

The 1911 Steinway grand piano that has been completely refurbished is the first permanent grand piano for the Recital Hall stage, according to Joan Griffing, EMU music department chair, noting that previously the grand piano from the primary piano teaching studio had to be moved to this location.

“With the addition of this beautifully refurbished Steinway, our Recital Hall is now an improved performance space,” Dr. Griffing said. “Having an instrument of this high quality is a real bonus to our students, faculty and guest artists who wish to perform in this setting.”

“The 1911 Steinway is a model ‘A,’ known for its rich tone and unique resonance,” added Dr. Lynne Mackey, associate professor of music.

Musica Harmonia players
Musica Harmonia players (l. to r.) Beth Vanderborgh, cello; Joan Griffing, violin; Diane Phoenix-Neal, viola; and Lynne Mackey, piano, will perform in the dedicatory recital for EMU’s Steinway grand piano.

The concert will feature performances by Musica Harmonia – Joan Griffing, violin; Diane Phoenix-Neal, viola; Beth Vanderborgh, cello; and Lynne Mackey, piano; with special guests Christy Heatwole Kauffman, viola; and Brian Wahl, bass. They will perform the “Sextet for Piano and Strings” by Felix Mendelssohn and “Midnight Child” by Los Angeles jazz and film composer Charles Washington.

EMU university piano student Phillip Martin will play selections from the solo piano repertoire.

Admission to the program is free; donations are welcomed for the EMU music scholarship fund.

For more information, call 540-432-4225.