As part of its Concert Hall Series, Steinway & Sons has created a bespoke Steinway as an homage to the Philharmonie de Paris, characterised by its unique design and state-of-the-art acoustics. The piano was presented during a spectacular concert by Steinway Artist Bertrand Chamayou at the end of May at the Philharmonie de Paris.
The Philharmonie concert hall is celebrated for its extraordinary structure, designed by visionary architect Jean Nouvel. The exterior of the building is covered with a distinctive bird mosaic, reminiscent of the work of Dutch artist M.C Escher, who inspired the design elements of this Limited Edition Steinway.
The surface of the piano is adorned with an interpretation of the Philharmonie's bird mosaic, meticulously crafted in silver leaf tones of grey, and protected by a high-gloss, clear coating. The instrument features a music desk inspired by the Philharmonie's façade, as well as specially designed legs, lyre, and prop stick, all reflecting the elegance and innovation of the architectural masterpiece.
Each Philharmonie de Paris Limited Edition boasts an ebony-stained inner rim and a dark silver cast iron plate, along with metal fittings and double studio castors in a chrome finish, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. In addition, the piano includes a specially designed bench, featuring hydraulic glissando technology and adorned with a Steinway & Sons lyre on the knob.
Incorporating the latest in piano technology, the Philharmonie de Paris Limited Edition is equipped with the world's finest high-resolution player piano system SPIRIO | r, which allows for live performance capture and playback. A revolutionary blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and technology, SPIRIO | r provides powerful new tools of expression and new ways to access, share and experience performance – enriching connection and intimacy.
The Philharmonie de Paris Limited Edition is available in two Steinway grand piano models: Model D, limited to just 3 pianos, and Model B, limited to 5 pianos. Each instrument represents the pinnacle of master craftsmanship paired with state-of-the-art technology, embodying Steinway & Sons' commitment to excellence in musical instruments.
Front leg:
Olivier Mantei, General Director of Cité de la musique-Philharmonie de Paris, says: “The greatest pianists in the world have made the Philharmonie de Paris their Parisian concert hall, including Martha Argerich, Khatia Buniatishvili, Bertrand Chamayou, Alexandre Kantorow, Maria Joao Pires, Daniil Trifonov and Yuja Wang. They all play on Steinway & Sons grand pianos that we provide for them. Our links with this brand are therefore natural and long lasting. The Philharmonie de Paris limited series that Steinway & Sons has dedicated to us celebrates our long and wonderful past and future collaborations.”
Guido Zimmermann, President of Steinway & Sons Europe, adds: “We take great pride in our collaboration with the Philharmonie de Paris and have meticulously crafted an instrument of exceptional design to reflect the institution. We are proud to strengthen our ties with and support the culturally rich and ambitious programmes of the Philharmonie de Paris over the course of the next concert seasons until 2026, owing to the Concert Hall Series pianos.”
This Limited Edition Steinway grand forms part of the Concert Hall Series, featuring renowned venues worldwide including the Elbphilharmonie of Hamburg, the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Dubai Opera, and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. Each international concert hall is characterised by distinctive design elements, which are reflected in the design of the respective grand pianos, underlining the hallmarks of the institutions.