Imperial's new Steinway grand gives its first public performance

Japanese pianist Noriko Ogawa unveils new piano - News

Friday 14 March 2008
By Abigail Smith

A Steinway grand lauded as one of the best concert pianos in London was unveiled at Imperial this week.

Its inaugural performance was given on Wednesday night by renowned Japanese pianist Noriko Ogawa, who congratulated the College on acquiring a world-class instrument.

"This is a wonderful piano to play, and is sure to bring a great deal of pleasure to many people," she added.

Noriko Ogawa played the Steinway in its first concert

The five year old Steinway was purchased through the Imperial College Trust from a private home where it had been treated with "huge care and attention", according to Richard Dickins, Imperial's Director of Music.

It was then completely reworked and brought up to concert standard by technicians Clive Ackroyd and Dietmar Assimis-Kohls in time for Ms Ogawa's recital, which included Chopin's Three Mazurkas and Beethoven's Sonata in F minor.

"Even Clive and Dietmar were surprised at how good this piano was," Richard Dickins commented. "Music has always been a vital part of life at Imperial. It's terrific that we now have this beautiful instrument to offer high calibre visiting pianists, and which is also available for staff and students."

Imperial is home to around 2,500 musicians through five orchestras and five choirs, plus student societies dedicated to opera and musical theatre.

The old piano will have its farewell outing at the Imperial College Union Choir Society's performance of Carmina Burana this evening.