Former Spoleto Festival Piano Will Serve SC Governor's School Students

The Steinway & Sons grand piano that has long been used by artists during Spoleto Festival USA has gained a second life: The South Carolina Governor's School Foundation purchased the instrument for use by students and visiting artists of the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville, South Carolina. The piano was delivered to the school earlier this week. Students will have access to it at the start of the 2018-2019 school year, and the piano will find its permanent home in the Music Department's forthcoming 10,000-square-foot building that is currently under construction on campus and set to open in 2019.

"The Festival is proud to have its piano find a wonderful new home amongst South Carolina's most promising young talents," says Julia Forster, Spoleto Festival USA's Director of Development. "The instrument has an illustrious history. Great artists have performed on it, and we are thrilled it will remain in-state to be played by the next generation of great artists."

The Hamburg Steinway first made its Spoleto Festival USA debut in 1989 with a dedication concert featuring renowned pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. In the last three decades, the instrument has been played by luminaries including Philip Glass, Charles Wadsworth, Peter Serkin, Jeremy Denk, and Inon Barnatan. Most recently, the piano was heard during the 42nd season of Spoleto Festival USA, played by jazz artists Fred Hersch and Jon Batiste, as well as classical master Pedja Muzijevic, who performed Mozart's Piano Concert no. 15 in B-flat Major on June 9, 2018, at the Charleston Gaillard Center. The Festival purchased a new Hamburg Steinway "Model D" piano in March 2017.

"We are honored that this Steinway will continue its legacy on our campus, fostering the musical talent and growth of young students from across South Carolina and enhancing our future guest artist experiences," says Dr. Cedric Adderley, Governor's School president. "It will be an exceptional addition to our music program and our new music building."

South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities
Located in Greenville, the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities cultivates young artists from across the state through pre-professional training in the areas of creative writing, dance, drama, music and visual arts. As a public, residential high school, serving juniors and seniors, students refine their talents in a master-apprentice community while receiving a nationally recognized academic education. Summer programs are available to rising 7th-12th grade students, and the Governor's School serves as a resource to all teachers and students in South Carolina, offering comprehensive outreach programs designed to bring together artists, educators, community organizations and schools. For more, visit scgsah.org.

Spoleto Festival USA
Founded in 1977, Spoleto Festival USA is an annual 17-day performing arts festival in Charleston, SC, that presents leading artists in classical and popular music, jazz, dance, and theater. The 2019 season will take place May 24 - June 9 in various locations on the downtown peninsula, including the historic Dock Street Theatre, the College of Charleston Cistern Yard, and the grand Charleston Gaillard Center.

Photo by William Struhs; Jazz artist Jon Batiste plays during Spoleto Festival USA's 2018 season; the Steinway piano will now serve students of the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities