Two extraordinary Bösendorfer grand pianos have found their new home at UC Santa Cruz, thanks to the generosity of alumnus Ken Corday (Porter ’75, aesthetic studies/music). Corday, an accomplished pianist, composer, and Emmy Award-winning executive producer of Days of Our Lives, continues his longstanding support of the Arts Division at UC Santa Cruz through this remarkable gift.
The Bösendorfers—a 2023 7’6” concert grand with a Disklavier and a 1984 6’10” grand—are among the finest pianos in the world. Their addition elevates the Music Department’s resources, allowing students to practice and perform on world-class instruments.
“I’m very happy and excited to be able to give my beloved Bösendorfer concert grand pianos to the wonderful students and faculty of the UCSC Music Department,” Corday says. “They are peerless instruments of the greatest musical magnitude. They have both served me very well as a performer and a composer. May they enrich the artistry of all the talented musicians who play them and inspire all who hear them.”
The donated pianos will enable students to access new creative possibilities and expand their learning experiences, cementing UC Santa Cruz’s role as a hub for artistic excellence.
“These high-end pianos are transformational,” said Dave Morrison, technical director of the Music Department. “They’ll enhance the quality of music education and performance at UC Santa Cruz.”
Corday’s connection to UC Santa Cruz spans decades, marked by significant contributions, including two endowed chairs in the Film and Digital Media and Music departments. His latest gift reaffirms his dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians and media artists.
“The Music Department deeply values our special relationship with Ken Corday,” said Amy C. Beal, department chair. “We are profoundly grateful for this gift and hope Ken will visit UC Santa Cruz to play these magnificent instruments.”
Corday graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a Bachelor of Arts in music/aesthetic studies in 1975 and a Master’s degree in music composition from San Jose State University in 1977. He has said that his music education at UC Santa Cruz was instrumental in his work as a television producer, and wants to uplift current students pursuing similar careers.