Discovering the Melodic Treasures of Greenville: A Visit to the Sigal Music Museum
As you stroll through the charming streets of Greenville, South Carolina, you might find yourself drawn into a haven of sound and history: the Sigal Music Museum. Located on Heritage Green, this unique venue invites visitors to tap into centuries of musical history through an impressive collection of instruments and engaging exhibits. But what truly makes this place special is the passion and dedication of its curator, Thomas Strange.
From Physics to Pianos: A Journey of Passion
“All collecting is a form of madness,” Thomas says with a chuckle, and you can feel his enthusiasm radiating as he talks about the journey that led him here. While pursuing a Ph.D. in physics at the University of South Carolina, Strange was captivated by a professor’s hand-built clavichord. This led him to craft his first harpsichord way back in 1980. Intrigued by the historical significance of instruments, he began collecting in earnest during the 1990s.
Balancing his role as the director of research and development at St. Jude Medical with his love for music, he transformed his home into a sanctuary for nearly three dozen restored pianos and harpsichords, inviting talented musicians to connect with the instruments like never before. “I want people to see, touch, feel, and really get it in their systems,” he explains, reflecting on the powerful educational experience these instruments can provide.
The Birth of the Carolina Music Museum
Then came a pivotal moment. After years of fostering a vibrant musical community, Strange posed a question that would change everything: “What happens to all this when you’re gone, Tom?” This sparked the idea for a permanent home for the vast collection, leading to the opening of the Carolina Music Museum in 2017. Alongside fellow arts enthusiasts, including his wife, Deborah Strange, the museum was established in a former Coca-Cola bottling plant, ready to share the magic of music with the world.
In 2018, the museum soared to new heights when it acquired nearly 700 instruments, including period keyboards, from the collection of renowned collector Marlowe A. Sigal. This collection, valued at nearly $3.1 million, was a game changer and allowed the museum to officially become the Sigal Music Museum, bolstered by a generous $2 million endowment from the Sigal family.
Innovative Exhibits and Digital Experiences
Today, the museum is buzzing with activity. The current exhibition, “A Measure of Music: STEAM and the Musical Mind,” invites visitors to explore the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through an engaging lens of music. An astounding “exploded” piano offers a rare glimpse into its inner workings, while visitors can unleash their inner composer with hands-on experiences, like creating soundtracks of early sci-fi movies using a theremin.
One of the museum’s standout features is its brand-new instrument digitization program, allowing guests to virtually play antique pianos and harpsichords. The meticulous process captures the unique sounds of each instrument, providing music lovers near and far the chance to experience these historical gems, including the very first piano commercially made and sold in the Americas, built in 1775 by John Berent.
Looking to the Future
As for the future, Thomas can hardly contain his excitement. He envisions a day when anyone can walk in, access every instrument, and engage in meaningful research. “I long for the day when anybody could come and take it to bits,” he dreams. With exciting plans ahead, including the potential expansion of digital programs into local schools, the Sigal Music Museum isn’t just about preserving history—it’s about sharing it widely and creatively.
So, if you find yourself in Greenville, make sure to stop by the Sigal Music Museum at 516 Buncombe St. Whether you’re a musician, a history buff, or simply looking to experience something new, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of music that connects us all.
