SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Evangel University Department of Music is proud to introduce its new Steinway “D” Grand Piano to the public with a dedication concert Thursday, March 28, 2019, at 6 p.m.
The concert is free and open to the public. The Lawrence & Alletha Barnett Fine Arts Auditorium is just south of the Spence Chapel at 1111 N. Glenstone Ave. in Springfield, Missouri.
“The Barnett Recital Hall is a world-class venue that now has a world-class instrument!,” said Dr. Michael Kolstad, vice president for University Advancement.
“Evangel University is grateful to Alletha Mae Barnett and the Christian Fidelity Foundation. Their generosity made the evening possible, and, as a result, the Steinway “D” grand piano will impact generations of students and audiences for decades to come.”
Steinway is recognized as the finest piano in the world. Steinway & Sons was founded in 1853 in a Manhattan loft, and the company moved to its present location in the Astoria section of Queens, New York, by 1891.
More than 1,500 prominent concert artists and ensembles throughout the world carry the title Steinway Artist.
The new Steinway replaces one that is nearly 30 years old and has been used virtually “non-stop” since it was purchased, often 8-12 hours per day. The new “D” will be used for faculty and student recitals, visiting artists, and regional and international music competitions held on the campus of the University.
In addition to the new instrument, a new climate-controlled storage area has been constructed behind the stage of Barnett Recital Hall to house the piano.
The Selection Process
One does not just pick a Steinway “D” Grand Piano from an online catalog. Neither does Amazon do the delivery.
Several members of the Evangel University Department of Music made the trip to New York City late last year to participate in the selection process.
“We traveled to the Steinway factory to select from five brand-new 9-foot concert grands,” said Dr. Greg Morris, professor of music at Evangel.
“Steinway’s top technician — basically a piano master mechanic — was on hand to tune and make any adjustments we wanted. Steinway spares no expense to make the finest pianos in the world, so every piano is wonderful. But like any acoustic instrument, each one has its own character and unique traits,” he explained.
Evangel’s new Steinway was delivered a few weeks ago and has gone through a series of tunings to prepare for its new home.
“I’m extremely excited about our selection,” said Morris. “I feel like it’s reading my mind as I play, producing any sound I can imagine.”
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THE DEDICATION PROGRAM
- Gavotte, from French Suite No. 5 in G Major, BWV 816 — J. S. Bach (1685-1750), performed by Dr. Gregory Morris, Professor of Music
Greeting & Gratitude — Dr. Carol Taylor, President, & Dr. Tom Matrone, Chair of the Department of Music
- Sonata, op. 81a; I. Das Lebewohl — Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), performed by Mr. Gregory Worthley, junior piano performance major
- Ballade No. 2 in F Major, op. 38 — Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), performed by Dr. Gregory Morris
- Preludes; La sérénade interrompue, La puerta del vino — Claude Debussy (1862-1918), performed by Ms. Sarah Morris, 2016 graduate
- Allegro barbaro, BB63 (Sz. 49) — Béla Bartók (1881-1945), performed by Dr. Gregory Morris
Prayer of Dedication — Rev. Doug Clay, General Superintendent of the General Council of the Assemblies of God
- It is Well with My Soul — Philip Bliss/arr. Cornell, performed by Dr. Gregory Morris
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Evangel University
The Department of Music at Evangel University offers majors in music education, music performance, recording technology and worship leadership. Each program is carefully designed to ensure that students build strong musical skills, gain professional training and experience a wide range of musical activities.
The department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and the Missouri Association of Departments & Schools of Music.
Evangel University, with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Christian university committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the church and society globally. Evangel and AGTS serve more than 2,100 students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, offering 65 undergraduate majors and 19 master’s and doctoral degrees.
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