Earlier this month, two iconic Steinway grand pianos took center stage at Perth Concert Hall, marking a significant moment in the venue’s musical history.
The concert hall, which opened in 2005, recently acquired a brand-new Steinway grand piano to replace its original instrument, which had been on a 20-year lease. Before the older piano was returned to the manufacturer, it joined its successor for a special recital.
Both pianos are Steinway D models, renowned as the preferred choice among concert pianists. Edinburgh-based pianist Steven Osborne was instrumental in selecting both the original and its replacement, which is now on a renewable lease.
On Sunday, October 6, Osborne teamed up with fellow pianist Paul Lewis from Liverpool for an afternoon of “Music for Two Pianos” to celebrate the new arrival while bidding farewell to the old one.
Steven had previously visited the Steinway factory in Hamburg to test various options for the Perth venue. He expressed his excitement, saying, “I have been so excited to choose a new Steinway for Perth Concert Hall. My visit to the Steinway factory enabled me to select a fine new instrument to follow in the footsteps of the excellent and much-loved piano which has served Perth Concert Hall so well over the last 20 years.”
He added, “Sunday October 6 was very poignant as, uniquely, we had both Steinways on the stage, welcoming one and bidding farewell to the other. To do this in partnership with my great friend and colleague Paul Lewis was very special indeed.”
The performance featured duets by Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms, with the two pianists alternating between the two instruments in a captivating display of musicianship and camaraderie that left a lasting impression on the audience.
James Waters, creative director of classical music at Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, remarked, “It’s fantastic to have a new Steinway in the building, and we are hugely grateful to Steven for making such an important selection for us once again. His expertise has resulted in an instrument that is carefully matched to the pattern of music we present in Perth Concert Hall, allowing us to continue to curate a classical program of the highest standard.”
He also emphasized the importance of the outgoing Steinway, stating, “The outgoing Steinway has been treasured by international musical stars, broadcasters, and audiences alike over the past 20 years, so it was essential to get the decision absolutely right. I am confident that we have found just the right piano for the job.”
Audiences will have more opportunities to enjoy performances on Perth Concert Hall’s new Steinway throughout the current season, including Danny Driver’s Lunchtime Concert featuring Bach’s Goldberg Variations on Monday, November 11, and a return of Steven Osborne with Alban Gerhardt on Tuesday, November 12, as part of the Classical Stars series.
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