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| The University of Victoria becomes Canada's first All-Steinway School Canadian jazz musician Diana Krall plays one, and so does Chinese classical pianist Lang Lang. Now, thanks to a partnership between the University of Victoria and Steinway & Sons - the first of its kind in Canada - all of the music students and faculty at UVic will be playing on Steinway-designed pianos. That's because UVic is now Canada's first All-Steinway school which means that Steinway-designed pianos will be available in all practice rooms, studios and concert halls and will be maintained by Steinway-trained technicians. "This is an investment in the future of University of Victoria music students, as well as an investment in the future of Canadian culture, " says Sarah Blackstone, dean of the UVic Faculty of Fine Arts. "The School of Music seeks to attract the best students in all areas, and these pianos are integral to their success, " says Gerald King, director of the UVic School of Music. UVic becomes the 99th All-Steinway School in the world joining famous schools such as The Juilliard School; Yale School of Music; China Conservatory, School of Piano and the University of Melbourne. UVic has purchased 60 new Steinway & Sons and Steinway-designed Boston Pianos from Tom Lee Music, Steinway & Sons authorized representative for British Columbia "We congratulate the University of Victoria on its historic achievement, " says Simon Phillips, Vancouver Island regional manager for Tom Lee Music. "The All-Steinway School designation will help to further establish UVic's School of Music as one of the finest music schools in the world and will serve as a shining example to all other schools in Canada." The $1.1 million dollar acquisition is being funded through a financing arrangement between UVic and Tom Lee Music. However, the university is asking for the support of donors and arts patrons for additional funding. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |