With over 100 in attendance, including outgoing TAU President Joseph Klafter and Head of TAU’S Buchmann-Mehta School of Music, Prof. Tomer Lev, the Arline and Seymour Kreshek Practice Piano Center was inaugurated at the School’s Claremont Hall. The new Center is home to nine new baby grand pianos, as well as six new practice rooms, each named for a classical composer.
Prof. Lev described the mail correspondence that spanned several months between himself and Arline Kreshek, an accomplished pianist in her own right, who expressed her interest in helping the School nurture the talents of a new generation of classical pianists. “When Arline wrote in her letter that she wanted to create conditions conducive to learning and practicing piano, I almost hugged the letter,” said Prof. Lev. “If practice conditions for playing music are right, it ultimately leads to growth.”
Outgoing TAU President Joseph Klafter spoke of the generosity of the Kresheks, noting they have been supporting the Buchmann-Mehta School for many years – in fact, he noted, this was their first trip to TAU. “With the Kresheks’ help, the School has been able to replace old grand pianos, install state-of-the-art silent pianos and construct modern practice rooms. This has doubled the number of students who can practice every day from 50 to 100.”
Following the ceremony, at which the Kresheks were presented a certificate recognizing their generosity, the attendees were treated to a piano recital by Prof. Lev and students of the School. The pieces performed were written by the composers whose names adorn the six new practice rooms.
Featured image: From left: Seymour and Arline Kreshek and Prof. Tomer Lev. Photo: Israel Hadari