The new Boston Concert Grand Piano at Mason Pointe has created so many moments of joy since it was installed, and much more is in store!
Lifelong music lovers and Mason Pointe residents Vi Steinmeyer, Peg Sant’Ambrogio, and Suzanne Scott, felt that the addition of a professional-level piano would be the proverbial “cherry on top” to their already amazing community.
“This concert-quality piano enables the kind of musical programming we wanted to bring to Mason Pointe. Our goal has been to become known as the retirement community for outstanding music,” said Vi.
It took about eight months of searching, but on June 1, 2022, a salesman at the Steinway Gallery listened to what they wanted and sat down at a keyboard and began to play.
“The tones were glorious, big, and clear. They grabbed the listener’s attention. I turned toward the piano and saw Vi with her eyes lit up. I knew at last we had found the instrument we were looking for!” said Peg.
The Mason Pointe community came together and within a few short months the funds had been raised to purchase the Boston Concert Grand Piano.
Such an amazing asset deserves special attention, so a group was formed to support the musical programming at Mason Pointe. Ken Dillner and Casey Kiehl have joined Vi, Suzanne, and Peg, along with Mason Pointe team members.
The group already has created special musical moments and has grand ambitions to bring even more high-caliber musical performances to Mason Pointe.
Richard Schreiber, Mason Pointe Assisted Living resident, is delighted by the enriching programs the piano has made possible.
“This community came together to bring this grand instrument to us, so that we can enjoy the music of all the talented people who come here to play,” he said.
For the inaugural event, Peter Henderson, pianist for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and professor at Maryville University performed. On another occasion, Peg’s daughter, Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, a violin professor at the University of Nevada, also delighted Mason Pointe with a performance.
“I had tears in my eyes and thankful prayers in my mind for the generosity of our Mason Pointe residents,” said Peg of the concert.
Another performance featured Jerry Chang, a 15-year-old who has played with orchestras, performed on NPR’s “From the Top” series, been featured on the Radio Arts Foundation St. Louis Classic station 107.3, and selected as one of the soloists for the Back to Bach National Association. Other events made possible through this piano include a Christmas concert, a violinist performing a program of light classical music selections, Mason Pointe Choir concerts, Westminster High School chorus visits, and more.
“Music is an important part of experiencing life to the fullest, giving us feelings of hope, encouragement, happiness, excitement and love,” said Becky Zimmer, Executive Director of Planned Giving at Mason Pointe. “Music can often do what the spoken word cannot.”
Suzanne agrees. “Music has been and continues to be a very large part of my life and is very important to me,” she said. “What a great opportunity Mason Pointe and LSS have given me.” A plaque honoring the gifts given in support of obtaining the piano can be viewed in the Multipurpose Room. “The generosity of Mason Pointe residents, families, and friends is a gift that will bless many for years to come,” said Becky.