UPDATE: per a Kennedy Center statement: “The Kennedy Center leases a large volume of pianos from David Slan’s franchise of Steinway and Sons out of northern Virginia, which is closing down and being absorbed by Steinway corporate in New York by the end of the year. Because of that, our lease terms are coming to an end, and the Center is actively engaged with Steinway New York about a new contract.”

– “The Center still has 15 pianos on site, throughout the campus, several of which are owned by the Center – including both pianos onstage at the Concert Hall.”

–“ Reports that all of the pianos were removed are inaccurate. 16 of the leased pianos – which primarily came from rehearsal rooms and dressing rooms – were picked up by Steinway and Sons.”

The Kennedy Center drama is selling all of its Steinway pianos. However, the house pianos will remain.

The news, which was first revealed by Slippedisc, was confirmed by Alternet, which noted that the pianos are being sold at a heavy discount.

According to the news source the Kennedy Center would need to sell everything because it was “closed.” It is unclear if pianos and instruments, other than the Steinways, are being liquidated from the site as well.

The news comes after it was revealed that Utah Senator Mike Lee objected to passing the Protecting Presidential Memorials Act. The bill, co-written with the Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski, would have banned the demolition of any presidential memorial designated by Congress including the Kennedy Center and others like the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. It also comes as President Trump is not ruling out demolishing the building, telling Time Magazine “I’m not committing to anything. We’re going to see how it plays out in court.”

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