Shorter College Slates Recital to Debut Piano

Shorter College will debut its nine-foot Shigeru Kawai full concert grand piano during an afternoon recital on Sunday, Feb. 17. The recital, which will begin at 3 p.m. in the college’s Brookes Chapel, is open to the public at no charge. Performers include music faculty members William and Mary Ann Knight, David Oliver and Elizabeth Blood; college president Harold Newman; and students Hannah Sills, Thomas Williams and Jonathan Parks.

The piano was purchased with funds donated by Robert and Kathy Engeman of Locust Grove, Ga. Their $110,000 gift also allowed the purchase of a six-foot, six-inch artist grand piano for the Shorter College music department and the establishment of a 12-unit Kawai digital piano lab at Shorter. Mrs. Engeman is a 1964 graduate of the college.

“Throughout the years, Bob and Kathy Engeman have been generous supporters of Shorter College and its students,” Dr. Newman said. “This major gift to fund the Shigeru Kawai pianos will have a lasting impact on Shorter College’s music programs, and we are grateful for their generosity and ongoing commitment to Shorter.”

“Shigeru Kawai pianos are remarkable pieces of craftsmanship,” Dr. Wingard said. “Each Shigeru piano is a limited edition treasure created with detailed handwork.”

As a result of this purchase, Shorter College has EPIC (Elite Performing Instrument Collection) status with Kawai. “The EPIC Program is more than just a piano purchase plan,” Dr. Wingard said. “It is a strategic partnership that will bring added benefits to the School of the Arts’ faculty and students. In addition to acquiring world-class instruments at sponsored cost levels, Shorter College will receive national recognition in Kawai’s promotional campaign, enhanced stature among schools of music, and on-site technical support from Kawai’s world-renowned master piano artisans.”

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