28 Steinway Pianos Donated to George Washington University's Music Department

WASHINGTON - On a loading dock at George Washington University Tuesday afternoon, they had to see it to believe it. Or in this case, hear it to believe it.

"It's overwhelming. It's absolutely inspiring," said one faculty member.

A donor has blessed George Washington University's Department of Music with 28 new pianos.

"We thought it was just great. Thank you very much!" said Karen Ahlquis, chair of the Department of Music at George Washington University.

These are not just any pianos. These are Steinways. The retail price of these pianos ranges from $60,000 and $120,000.

Ahlquist calls the Steinway "American craft at its best.” Steinway is arguably the most famous name in pianos.

As for the name of the donor, you won't hear that. The donor has chosen to remain anonymous. School officials say, at first, the donor wanted to donate one Steinway.

"Then the donor found out that we needed eight Steinway grands and said I would like to fund all eight,” said John Kendrick the school's Executive Director of Planned Giving. “Then I said we would like to become an all-Steinway school and the donor said I would like to fund that. All of it. So it was a magnificent gift."

The largest one is a Model D concert grand. Its enormous sound fills Lisner Auditorium. The message from Professor Ahlquist? Students better be resting up over summer break.

"We do expect them to practice well enough to come to their lessons and their rehearsals very well prepared," said Ahlquist.

With Steinways to work with, they'll be expecting an encore.