A Melodic Coup

An undeniable grandeur now echoes in the chambers of Ding Music Hall, courtesy of the school’s recent acquisition- a retired Steinway concert grand piano, hailed in the music scene as one of the most coveted treasures in the region.

This majestic instrument, previously housed at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, has been graced by the nimble fingers of virtuosos such as Emanuel Ax, Yuja Wang, Lang Lang, Daniil Trifonov and Jonathan Biss.

Chair of the Arts Department Alan Michaels was the architect behind this melodic coup.

“Our previous concert piano, also a Steinway, was over 100 years old. It still serves us well, but it no longer produces the tone quality to match the acoustics of Ding Music Hall,” he explained.

Watch Sophie Wang ’27 perform on Peddie’s new Steinway concert grand piano in Ding Music Hall.

To validate the excellence of this newfound treasure, Michaels sought the expertise of a trusted piano connoisseur. “The expert confirmed with me that the piano was a great instrument, perhaps as good, if not better, than any in the northeast region,” Michaels shared.

Recognizing the significance of the Steinway’s arrival, regional piano retailer and broker for the deal Jacobs Music sponsored artist Delvan Lin to perform at a special piano recital. “His performance brought the music hall into a state of sonic synchronicity,” said Michaels. Prior to his performance, Peddie student pianists performed their own pieces on the instrument.

“Playing on the new piano is an extraordinary experience,” said Kyle Song ’24. “During my performance of Chopin’s ‘Ballade No. 1 in G Minor,’ I felt a profound connection to the instrument, allowing me to express each distinct emotion of the piece to the audience.”

Jacobs Music also arranged a private tour for students at the Steinway & Sons factory in Queens, N.Y. Reflecting on the experience, Michaels said, “We gained an appreciation for the care that goes into manufacturing the 12,000 parts in a Steinway piano and the precision required to combine all of those parts.”

Jacobs believes no piano has left a more indelible mark on the music community over the past decade, making this acquisition a once-in-a-lifetime musical triumph for Peddie.