FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
DATE:  April 1 , 2005
CONTACT: Heather Guerrero, Director of Foundation and Donor Relations (361) 825-3320; or Melissa Goonan, Public Affairs Manager, (361) 825-2337

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Performing Arts Center to Dedicate Steinway Grand Piano at Monday Concert 

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will unveil its new Steinway grand piano at a Dedication Concert featuring concert pianist Jeffrey Swann on Monday, April 4 at 8 p.m. in the new Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Steinway concert grand piano is a gift from longtime University supporters Joe and Ruth Sheinberg. The Sheinbergs first entertained the idea of a gift to the University while attending a Corpus Christi Symphony concert. Music Department Chair Dr. Jim Rennier flew to New York to select the piano with the assistance of Swann who is the Sheinberg’s nephew.

“We’re very excited about the Performing Arts Center and want to help, so I thought a concert piano would be a great gift,” said Ruth Sheinberg. “I’m very excited and anxious to see it and hear it,” she said.

The Steinway will be used by guest performers, student ensemble groups, and guest musicians with the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra. Steinway pianos are widely regarded as the finest pianos available. Each piano is handmade at Steinway factories in New York and Hamburg, Germany. They are the pianos of choice by such renowned classical artists as Peter Serkin, Gary Graffman and pop artists such as Harry Connick, Jr., Billy Joel, Randy Newman and Van Cliburn, who is scheduled to appear in the Performing Arts Center on April 16.

“The Steinway is a wonderful gift that will benefit the students of A&M-Corpus Christi and the community,” said Rennier. “The Sheinbergs’ generosity will benefit many people for a long time to come.