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  • 9 interesting facts about the pianos of the Queen Elisabeth Competition

9 interesting facts about the pianos of the Queen Elisabeth Competition

  • Acoustic piano

Since 1999, Piano's Maene has been involved in the organization of every edition of the Queen Elisabeth Competition. The piano technicians and experts of Piano's Maene contribute to ensuring the exceptional musical experience of the Queen Elisabeth Competition, both for the pianists and for the audience.

Flagey Brussel
Who selected the piano this year?

Who selected the piano this year?

For each edition of the Queen Elisabeth Competition, the most suitable instrument is selected in the Piano's Maene workshop in Ruiselede. The choice was made by a delegation consisting of pianist Jean-Claude Vanden Eynden, the piano technician from Piano's Maene, jury chairman Gilles Ledure, members of the competition's organizing team, and the chairman of the board of directors.

The delegation selected the Steinway & Sons grand pianos that best met the specific requirements of the different stages of the competition. For the semi-finals, an instrument that provided warmth and intimacy was sought, in line with the recital repertoire and the acoustics of Flagey. For the finals, the choice fell on a piano with a powerful and expressive tone, suitable for carrying the grand concertos in the Henry Le Bœuf Hall at Bozar.

Always a piano ready!

Always a piano ready!

Since the competition piano is intensively used during performances and must meet the highest standards, a reserve grand piano is provided. For example, if a string breaks, the performance would need to be temporarily interrupted to resolve the issue. In a tight schedule, this would mean precious time lost. Therefore, a backup instrument is always ready and can be deployed immediately. Although string breakage is extremely rare, we want to be prepared for anything!

Why is the piano of the competition a Steinway?

Why is the piano of the competition a Steinway?

In some international competitions, participants can choose from different piano brands. The Queen Elisabeth Competition deliberately opts for one type of piano: all candidates play on a Steinway & Sons model D-274. This ensures a as objective as possible assessment. Given the global preference of pianists for Steinway, this choice is more than logical.

Why 98% of the world's concert halls own a Steinway concert grand piano...
Why does Piano's Maene supply the Steinway?

Why does Piano's Maene supply the Steinway?

For all pianos intended for rental during concerts, Piano's Maene selects each Steinway from multiple identical models at the Steinway & Sons factory in Hamburg. There can always be differences in sound and character between the instruments. Piano's Maene continuously has 4 Steinway & Sons D-274 grand pianos available, which are regularly used during concerts. To guarantee the artists a very recent piano, we renew our rental pianos every 5 years. The grand pianos are always of the highest level, providing the best guarantee to satisfy all pianists. The competition selects a grand piano each year from Piano's Maene's rental fleet. This ensures they always have the most suitable instrument: a piano ideal for chamber music (violin, voice, cello) or one that is suitable for the piano test.

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Why is the cover of the piano matte?

Why is the cover of the piano matte?

There are many spotlights that illuminate the piano during the performances. The conductor, who is positioned right next to the piano, must remain visible to every member of the orchestra. To prevent the reflection that could blind the musicians, we place a matte film on the lid.

Are there differences between two same pianos?

Are there differences between two same pianos?

A Steinway & Sons concert grand piano of 274 cm in length, the famous model D, remains the absolute reference for pianists. This is the piano that countless pianists dream of. Every Steinway D that leaves the Steinway & Sons factory has exceptional qualities, but also a unique personality that makes it one of a kind. For instance, one piano may have more volume than another, or its sound may be rounder or more brilliant. To choose their instrument, a musician relies on their preferences and the venue where the piano will be placed.

Who is the tuner during the competition?

Who is the tuner during the competition?

The numerous tuners from Piano's Maene take care of all the instruments, both at the host families' homes, in the dressing rooms at Flagey, and at Bozar. Svetlozar Siarov – a technician from Piano's Maene – is responsible for the competition piano on stage. He prepares it for many hours before it is delivered to Flagey. During each break, he tunes the Steinway D so that it is always perfect for the participant performing on stage. You can compare his work to the preparation of race cars in a Formula 1 Grand Prix. No detail is left to chance!

How do the pianists practice before going on stage?

How do the pianists practice before going on stage?

Each host family has a piano at home. In Flagey, in every dressing room that doesn’t have one, Piano's Maene places an upright or grand piano. Before the participant takes the stage, they can practice a difficult passage one last time or simply play through their repertoire again.

The jury members have access to a top-quality digital piano in their hotel room.

How does the piano get on stage?

How does the piano get on stage?

Unfortunately, the Steinway D does not fit in the elevators at Flagey. Therefore, 6 people are needed to carry it up the stairs to Studio 4. In Bozar, the situation is simpler. The piano can be easily brought in there. 

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Would you like to learn more about Steinway & Sons? The history, the different models, or try out the instruments yourself?

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