UConn Receives Gift To Purchase 13 Steinway Pianos

STORRS, CT — The University of Connecticut has received a gift to fund the purchase of 13 new Steinway upright pianos.

The support of the university from the Lawrence J. and Natalie D. Portell Foundation, Persbacker Foundation, and the Jean and Richard Widmark Foundation allows students to play pianos that are "world-renowned for their superior quality and sound."

The amount was not disclosed, but the pianos are priced in the tens of thousands.

The Portell, Persbacker, and Widmark Foundations’ gifts also resulted in "significant progress" in UConn's quest to becoming an "All-Steinway School," officials said.

The School of Fine Arts has worked for many years to reach this distinction, earned when at least 90 percent of an institution's pianos are Steinways.

Currently, UConn is about 75 percent of the way to All-Steinway School status. The School of Fine Arts hopes to achieve this goal within the next few years, officials said.

"Donor support is crucial for the school's ability to make this happen," officials said.

The Steinway website details the pianos.