The Conway Symphony Orchestra recently presented a $2,000 donation to the University of Central Arkansas’s College of Fine Arts and Communication and Department of Music as UCA pursues All-Steinway School status.
“We are thrilled that the CSO has partnered with us in our All-Steinway initiative,” said Dr. Jeffery Jarvis, chair of the Department of Music. “Our strong relationship with the CSO is one of the strengths of our department. Our students continue to benefit from our association with this wonderful orchestra.”
The university recently announced its commitment to become the next All-Steinway School in Arkansas, a status that has been achieved by only 118 schools worldwide.
Five Steinways came to UCA during the summer as university officials announced a $1 million private fundraising campaign through the UCA Foundation to secure the funds needed to replace 90 percent of the university’s remaining piano inventory with Steinway pianos. More than $400,000 has been raised.
The Conway Symphony Orchestra’s donation will go toward making up the difference.
“The Conway Symphony and UCA have a long-term mutually supportive relationship, so helping the College of Fine Arts and Communication is a way of also helping our own organization to grow,” said Vicki Crockett, general manager of the CSO. “Our musicians and guest artists are excited about playing the new Steinway pianos for our performances. As music supporters, our Board recognizes the importance of the Steinway program in bringing top-notch musicians to the College, as well as attracting music lovers to its programs.”
Steinway & Sons has been the benchmark by which all other pianos are measured for 150 years. The company remains dedicated to the ideal of making each individual piano the finest in the world.
Steinway Pianos are handcrafted, involving more than 12,000 parts assembled by 450 people. Each piano takes nearly a year to assemble. – Gavin D. Glenn
