October 28, 2018
Dear Fellow Musicians and Cathedral of St. Mary Parishioners,
Thanks to the approval of Fr. August Koeune, the Steinway piano returns this weekend to the sanctuary of the Cathedral. The piano will be used primarily for concerts, but occasionally for more intimate gatherings such as adoration, small funerals and weddings and at the discretion of the pastor and myself.
The piano was moved out of the Cathedral to the St. Mary’s Catholic School music room when the Cathedral underwent renovation. Recently, the school received a digital piano that will serve the needs of the students better than the Steinway. Since concerts are occasionally performed in the Cathedral, it seemed logical to have the piano back in the sanctuary. This will prevent these groups from having to bring in a piano for their performances.
The piano will soon have a cover that will match the décor of the space it occupies. The piano will be re-tuned this week and will undergo any necessary repair work. It will be kept locked when not in use.
The Steinway originally resided in the convent and was given to the Cathedral. It was restored and used for liturgy and performances such as the annual Christmas Choral Festival. It is a treasured gift.
Since the Cathedral is also graced with the magnificent Visser-Roland organ, it will be used sparingly at Sunday liturgy, not to hinder the use of the organ. May God continue to bless us with the beauty of sound produced by these fine instruments. May our voices blend in chorus as we sing with all the angels and saints.