Broughton Pianos unveils its new Junior Piano Competition
By Freddie Miller
To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Broughton Pianos is excited to announce the inaugural Broughton Pianos Junior Piano Competition. This competition aims to encourage and support young talent across the UK, offering a platform for budding pianists to showcase their skills. The event will culminate in a grand recital at Broughton Pianos' showroom in Belbroughton, Worcestershire, on Sunday, 17th November 2024.
The Broughton Pianos story
Broughton Pianos, a family-run business, has evolved from humble beginnings into one of the UK's leading piano retailers. Founded in 1984, the company initially focused on buying and selling used pianos. Through dedication and a relentless commitment to quality, they have expanded significantly, now offering an extensive range of new and reconditioned pianos to customers nationally and internationally.
The company's impressive showroom in Weybridge Mill, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, is a testament to their growth and success. Located in the picturesque village of Belbroughton, just 15 miles south of Birmingham, the showroom provides a serene and inviting space for piano enthusiasts. Visitors can explore over 150 pianos on display, making it the largest selection in the Midlands, and their expansive warehouse houses a stock of 500 pianos.
Managing Director Glenn Morris underscores the significance of their location: "Creating a tranquil and inviting showroom in the quiet countryside of Belbroughton, away from the busy hustle and bustle of the high street, has ensured that our customers can enjoy their visit in a peaceful serene setting."
Resident piano tuner Matthew Richards, further highlights the showroom's appeal: "Few places in the UK can match Broughton Pianos for its extensive selection from leading brands. They are one of the few retailers offering such a comprehensive range."
The company’s dedication to quality is evident in their restoration workshop, where Master Technicians and French Polishers expertly recondition used pianos to meet the highest standards. Specialising in both the tuning and refurbishing of pianos, the team meticulously attends to every detail, from the intricate interior mechanisms to the elegant exterior finish.
Some members of the restoration team have been with Broughton Pianos for over 30 years, bringing a depth of experience to their work. By handling all restoration tasks in house, Broughton Pianos ensures rigorous quality control and maintains the integrity of every instrument, reinforcing their commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and service.
Their flexible finance schemes make piano ownership accessible to a wider audience, catering to all budgets and ensuring both beginners and seasoned players find their ideal instrument.
Thomas Taaffe, the Sales Director, highlights Broughton Pianos dedication to community support: "We take pride in our involvement with the community, from sponsoring local events to working with theatres, music educators, and schools."
Broughton Pianos has built a strong reputation in the local musical community by sponsoring events like the Ludlow Piano Festival and supporting theatres such as the Wolverhampton Grand and The Regal Theatre in Tenbury Wells. This involvement not only strengthens their ties with the community but also helps to cultivate a thriving local arts scene, fostering a greater appreciation for music and ensuring a continued demand for high-quality pianos.
In addition, the company is enhancing its support with new dedicated sections on their website for piano teachers and tuners, set to launch soon. These new sections will offer piano teachers and tuners a free platform on the Broughton Pianos website to advertise their services and connect with potential clients. By providing this free space, Broughton Pianos helps these professionals reach a wider audience and grow their businesses. This initiative not only supports the local and national music community but also reinforces Broughton Pianos' dedication to fostering connections within the industry and promoting the value of piano expertise.
Broughton Pianos Junior Piano Competition 2024: Details and Prizes
To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Broughton Pianos is launching a piano competition aimed at young pianists aged 11-16. This exciting event provides an opportunity for young musicians to perform on a Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano.
Ten finalists will be selected to perform a 10-minute recital at the Broughton Pianos Showroom on Sunday, 17th November 2024, in front of a panel of distinguished judges.
Prizes include:
- Grand Prize: £500
- A prize will also be awarded to the winning piano teacher or school.
- Runner-up Prize: £100
To enter, participants must record and submit a video demonstrating their ability via an online form on the Broughton Pianos website by 15th September 2024.
Glenn Morris expresses the company's excitement about the competition: "The Broughton Pianos Junior Piano Competition is a testament to our commitment to encouraging young talent and celebrating our 40th anniversary with the wider community."
Broughton Pianos invites all young pianists to participate in this celebration of music and talent, reaffirming their dedication to the future of music. This competition not only honours their legacy but also supports and inspires the next generation of pianists.
To enter, record and submit your audition video via the online form on the Broughton Pianos website by 15th September 2024.