Two of our talented pianists had the opportunity to take part in a Steinway & Sons piano masterclass at Steinway Hall, located in Marylebone, London. The day included a masterclass with Charles Owen, Steinway artist, a tour of Steinway Hall and the restoration centre, and an opportunity for the pupils to play on the Steinway’s world famous, concert grand pianos.
Director of Music, Mr Simon Kirk, explained, “We were made to feel very welcome at Steinway Hall and had a thoroughly inspiring day. On the tour of the salesrooms and the technicians' area, the quality of workmanship and attention to detail was breathtakingly impressive; in the masterclass, our two pupils gave an excellent account of themselves and Charles Owen, 'one of the finest British pianists of his generation' (Gramophone Magazine), and a fabulous Steinway Model D, which has been played by the likes of Vladimir Ashkenazy and Lang Lang in just the last few weeks, combined beautifully to help to bring out the very best from our young musicians' playing.”
One of the SJCS pianists remarked, “The best experience of the day was playing on the marvellous ‘spirio’ piano, and it was amazing to know that so many professional piano players have also played it.” The other Form 6 pianist said, “We went into the factory to learn how the Steinway piano was made or ‘the secrets of Steinway’. Then we tried some pianos, one of which was used at the Leeds International Piano Competition.”