The School of Music’s 12th anniversary celebration as an all-Steinway school continues through March with a special series of concerts and events. UVic became Canada’s very first all-Steinway school in 2008 when we acquired 63 new Steinway pianos—and our students, faculty, guest performers and concert-goers have been appreciating the beauty and quality of these incredible instruments ever since!
In addition to hearing some fantastic concerts, you’ll be able to see a special display of parts from a deconstructed piano shipped directly from the Steinway factory in New York City at Mark Anderson‘s March 5 concert (see below).
The School of Music became Canada’s very first All-Steinway School in 2008 when we acquired 63 new Steinway pianos—including 49 uprights for practice rooms and faculty offices, 13 grand pianos for the teaching faculty and rehearsal halls, and a Steinway Concert Grand for the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall.
Proceeds from these events will benefit our Steinway Legacy Fund, dedicated to the enhancement and expansion of our valuable collection instruments. Donate online to support this important ongoing achievement in the School of Music.
Mark Anderson & a deconstructed piano
Guest artist Mark Anderson
At 8pm Thursday, March 5, guest pianist and Steinway artist Mark Anderson performs Mozart’s Sonata in E-flat Major, K. 282, the Canadian premiere of Röntgen’s Sonata in C-sharp Minor, and the last piano sonatas by Schubert (No. 21 in B-flat Major, D.960) and Brahms (Sonata No. 3). A piano professor at UBC’s School of Music, Anderson’s appearances as recitalist, soloist and chamber musician have been met with widespread critical acclaim around the globe.
But you can also find out the “secrets of Steinway” with Simon Phillips, Island Regional Manager at Tom Lee Music, who are generously sponsoring this concert. Learn more about the inner workings of a Steinway by getting a closer look at the mechanisms that technicians and piano rebuilders are often only privy to in this special deconstructed piano—shipped directly from the Steinway factory in New York City. Seating for this talk is limited, however, so we suggest RSVPing in advance at music@uvic.ca to reserve a seat.
Technology meets classical styling
Drop by the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall from 2:30-6:30pm on Thursday, March 12, for open masterclasses and demonstrations of the Steinway Spirio | r, the world’s finest high-resolution player piano capable of live performance capture and playback.
The new Steinway Spirio | r
The Spirio | r uses an iPad to record performances, correct mistakes and play back the perfect version on the piano itself. The instrument can also play performances recorded in Steinway’s own studio, with all the subtleties of a live concert.
The School of Music’s main lobby will have a special display of parts from a deconstructed piano shipped directly from the Steinway factory in New York City. Learn more about the inner workings of a Steinway by getting a closer look at the mechanisms that technicians and piano rebuilders are often only privy to. Guided virtual reality tours of the Steinway factory will also be available in the lobby. Visit our website for a detailed schedule.
Emerging Steinway Stars
Curious about the difference a Steinway makes? Take an afternoon break and enjoy a concert of varied repertoire featuring UVic School of Music piano students at 12:30pm Friday, March 6, in the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall.
Then, hear some of the brightest piano students from the School of Music at this special concert showcase, starting at 8pm Thursday, March 12. This concert will actually be performed on Steinway’s Spirio | r.
Faculty pianist Bruce Vogt
Bruce Vogt
Finally, School of Music professor Bruce Vogt performs a dynamic program of works by Liszt and Chopin, including a waltz and six Nocturnes, at 2:30pm Sunday, March 15. Among the elite of Canadian pianists, Bruce Vogt is a unique and dynamic performer. He appears regularly in concert within Canada, but has also inspired audiences in England, the USA, Germany, France, Italy, Norway, Bulgaria, China, and Japan.
Join Vogt for a special pre-concert talk at 1:30pm, where he will discuss two titans of the piano—Chopin and Liszt—and their very different paths. Seating for the pre-concert talk is limited, so please RSVP to music@uvic.ca to reserve your seat.
Canada’s very first All-Steinway School
Still Canada’s only All-Steinway School, UVic’s School of Music is justifiably proud of this designation. Back in 2008, we were the 99th All-Steinway School in the world, joining famous schools such as The Juilliard School and the Yale School of Music. It was announced at the time that the $1.1-million acquisition was being funded through a financing arrangement between UVic and Tom Lee Music.
You can help us grow and maintain our Steinways by donating online here.