The generosity of Luther donors takes many shapes, including novel gifts of specialty musical instruments. These gifts in kind have been put to immediate use, allowing students to increase their repertoires and practice and
performance opportunities.

In January, Karla (Lenzen) Bach ’00 arranged to donate her W&W Venus Harp, Encore 75 Concert Pedal, circa 1993. It was delivered to campus in February, where Daniel Baldwin, director of orchestral activities, was on hand to accept it.

“Karla’s beautiful instrument will live in the Center for Faith and Life, the space in which our large ensembles perform. Her gift will serve to protect all our college-owned harps from physical damage during transport, and will ensure that our student harpists have access to an artist-quality instrument wherever and whenever they play,” says Baldwin.

Associate professor of music John Cord met Henry “Hank” Diggelmann when both were studying at the University of Iowa. After learning that his friend was teaching at Luther, Dr. Diggelmann reached out to ask if Luther would accept an inkind donation of his instruments, a Johannes Scherzer piccolo trumpet, Bach Stradivarius B-flat trumpet, and a Bach Stradivarius C trumpetto.

“Because of Dr. Diggelmann’s generosity, students will be able to apply their talents to the baroque and early classical repertoire for trumpet, which will help to broaden their performance capabilities and historical understanding. We are extremely grateful for this donation and will benefit from it for many years to come,” says Cord.

A 1996 Steinway M grand piano that was a focal point in the home of Lance ’79 and Shari Vander Linden is now part of Luther’s keyboard collection.

“This lightly-used instrument is in near-perfect shape and will make a wonderful practice piano for our students for both collaborative and solo repertoire. Whether it be practicing Rachmaninoff or accompanying a Schubert song, this Steinway’s warm tone and responsive action will enhance our music students’ performances,” according to Brian Knox, keyboard technician.

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