Minsoo Sohn giving a masterclass at the School of Music (Beth Bingham photo)
Fifteen years ago, the School of Music was named Canada’s first All-Steinway School and, while there are now over 200 All-Steinway schools globally, UVic is still the only one in Canada — a significant designation currently being celebrated with both a new $300,000 estate gift and a signature concert series.
“Steinways are recognized worldwide for their excellence and are by far the most preferred concert piano in the world,” says piano professor Arthur Rowe.
But keeping 63 pianos ready for daily student use also requires constant tuning and repairs, which makes the new Martha Cooke Fund so important. Named for the late Public Archives Canada curator, Cooke’s legacy earmarks $200,000 for essential piano maintenance. “These pianos are now 15 years old, so this gift comes to us at a critical time,” says Rowe. “Maintaining our excellent instruments is crucial, so these funds will help ensure the longevity and excellence of our Steinways.”
The Martha Cooke Fund also sets aside a further $100,000 for at least three years of annual concerts and masterclasses with internationally renowned Korean-American pianist Minsoo Sohn, who performed at UVic in both fall 2023 and spring 2024, and offered masterclasses with our students.
Known for his musical intelligence and masterful virtuosity — qualities that have earned him worldwide acclaim — Sohn’s readings of the works of Rachmaninoff, Bach and Beethoven have placed him among the elite in this repertoire, and the inspired ingenuity of his performances of orchestral repertoire have earned him many accolades.
As the winner of many prestigious competitions and a teacher of renowned pianists himself, Sohn’s concerts and masterclasses demonstrate his own pursuit of musical excellence for the benefit of UVic students. This continues to be an extraordinary partnership that transports audiences to a realm of emotion, virtuosity and musical brilliance.
Minsoo Sohn returns to UVic with a public performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations on Oct 7, followed by his latest masterclass on Oct 8.