Lipscomb’s School of Music officially became an “All-Steinway School” on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Sally Coveleskie of Steinway & Sons recognized the college during a dedication ceremony in Ward Hall.
“The pursuit and achievement of excellence is evident here,” Coveleskie said as she presented the award to University President Randy Lowry.
“What you have done by inspiring the Steinway Initiative will assist the students of Lipscomb University to reach their fullest potential as musicians and teachers.”
The Steinway Initiative demonstrates a commitment to excellence by providing students and faculties with the best equipment possible for the study of music.
Coveleskie said that future generations of music students will thank Lipscomb “both publicly and silently” for its work in the Steinway Initiative and for accomplishing this goal.
“We were encouraged to look at this move in terms of the excellence of the institution,” Lowry said.
“As we think about Lipscomb and as we think about this particular moment, I’m reminded that we can’t be a great university if we don’t have good art, music and theatre. I believe the arts are so important and we have made progress over the last 10 years.”
During the dedication ceremony, Eugene and Elisabeth Pridonoff (the Pridonoff Duo), both former professors of music at University of Cincinnati, performed a two-piano recital.
The performance included pieces from W.A. Mozart, Franz Liszt, Astor Piazzolla and Sergei Rachmaninoff.
Director of the School of Music Dr. Sally Reid thanked the School of Music and its students for their hard work and commitment to the department.
“This is a combination of a lot of work by a lot of people and it is a statement of who we are and who we are becoming,” Reid said. “This is a stellar crowd and we are thankful to the donors. It’s a great thing.”