Living the STEINWAY Dream in Austin
Music – described by German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe as “liquid architecture” – takes some imaginative turns through the new performing arts center in the Austin Independent School District.
To accommodate Fine Arts requirements for about 84,000 K-12 students, “it was important that the building function acoustically to support all styles of performances,” says Jessica Molter, principal at Pfluger Architects. In a 1,200 seat auditorium, she notes that listeners may feel like they are inside a large wooden instrument. Walls and soffits dressed in maple and walnut provide a perfect combination of authentic sound reproduction and post-modern aesthetics.
Acoustics are mechanically adjusted through a series of drapes. Space changes with the press of a button, bringing out the best in full orchestras, ensembles, choirs and soloists. The center also contains a 250-seat Black Box theatre, dance studio, kiln room and recording studio.
“The craftsmanship of this instrument provides an outstanding sound that enhances both the musicians and acoustical design of our facility.”
After 11 years of planning for the first consolidated Fine Arts complex in the district’s 134-year history, nothing less than pianos by STEINWAY & SONS would do. School officials selected a high-polish STEINWAY Model D concert grand, three Boston 178-GP grands and an Essex studio upright from the Steinway Piano Gallery Austin/San Antonio.
“When the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center was first conceptualized, we dreamed of having a high-quality versatile piano that could meet the needs of the various genres and styles found in all of our disciplines,” says Fine Arts Director Greg Goodman. “We were fortunate to be able to purchase a STEINWAY Model D Concert Grand for our Main Hall".
Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. “Music is the soul of Austin, and we are absolutely thrilled that the Austin ISD chose to equip their state-of-the-art performance space with pianos by STEINWAY & SONS,” adds Corporate Sales Manager Glen Gough.
