In February 2021, the Music Ministry staff of St. Monica began meeting to discuss the purchase of a new piano for the church. It was determined that, while the 1926 Steinway Artist Model had served the church well for many years, it was time to look towards the future of this growing Music Ministry and Fine Arts Program with investment in a new instrument. After deliberations and testing of various instruments, the decision was made to move forward with a fundraising project to purchase a new, larger, grand piano - a Schimmel K230 Konzert model.
Described as “the most highly awarded German piano,” Schimmel Pianos was founded in 1885 by Wilhelm Schimmel in Leipzig, Germany. Since then, four generations of Schimmels have carried and grown this family-owned business into one of the most well-respected piano builders in the world. This particular model was produced in the workshop in Braunschweig, Germany.
The Schimmel K230 Konzert Grand is a professional-level piano that can be found in concert halls and theatres across the world and has won numerous awards for its innovative design, both aesthetically and acoustically. The Konzert models are built by hand using computer-enhanced concepts and scale and feature a Bavarian solid spruce soundboard, mineral keytops, ebony sharps, and a double duplex system to provide the highest tone quality and life possible. This piano is finished in glossy, polished Ebony and features over 200 resonating strings with a combined tension of over 21 tons.
To contribute towards the St. Monica Piano Campaign, please click here (indicate “Piano Campaign” under “Other Designation”)
July 28, 2021 - UPDATE: Thanks to the incredible generosity of St. Monica Catholic Church parishioners, the piano has been funded in full, three months ahead of schedule! If you did not have an opportunity to make a contribution, you’re encouraged to consider a gift to the St. Monica Fine Arts Fund which makes all of the work of the Fine Arts Program possible, including the ambitious season ahead.