Thank you so much to all those who helped the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council purchase a new grand piano, the Wilhelm Schimmel, now in the JACC, and officially dedicated in concert on Thursday evening, July 6.

Special thanks to pianist Mary Watson, whose vision, dedication and leadership led to the series of piano recitals last season that raised the money to purchase this lovely new instrument. The series was a delightful addition to the community calendar of events and showcased the talents of Juneau’s own musicians.

It was such a pleasure to enjoy the music performed by these wonderful pianists — Jon Hays, Kyle Farley-Robinson, Doug Smith, Sue Kazama, Judith Mitchell and Mei Xiu — our deepest thank you to them for sharing their talents to help our community purchase this piano.

And to the many community donors, who attended concerts and made very generous contributions — thank you! Alaska Marine Lines, for assisting with shipping — thank you!

And thank you especially to Dr. Alexander Tutunov, whose commitment and love for music and his fondness for Juneau, led him to help find this beautiful instrument. As he said at the conclusion of the Grand Finale concert on Thursday evening, “It needs to be played! Play it more!”

It is our hope and intention that this instrument will bring inspiration for all of Juneau for years to come.

Nancy DeCherney,

Juneau Arts and

Humanities Council