Strong tea, with Schubert, and a remarkable lady

The Curtis Institute of Music in Center City has been training the world’s best musicians for 87 years. In 1931, a young piano prodigee named Eleanor Sokoloff entered the school, and never left. She has been on the piano faculty for 75 years.

Her students include such classical soloists Susan Starr, Leon McCawley, and Hugh Sung; and jazz musician Keith Jarrett.

Now, 97, and still on the piano faculty, the Grande Dame of Curtis hosts an afternoon tea for students and staff, from whence she holds court.