A performance of 24 Pianos, a new work by composer and Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) postgraduate student Julia Plaut, marked the delivery of 24 new Steinway pianos to the conservatoire earlier in September.
The event celebrated RWCMD’s new status as the first Steinway Exclusive Conservatoire in Europe, with performers including students from the College, its Junior Conservatoire, graduates and staff.
As part of the new partnership, Steinway’s groundbreaking new Spirio technology will enable remote masterclasses, performances and auditions, and enhance outreach opportunities and networks across Wales and internationally.
Furthering partnerships, inclusion and diversity
‘As the National Conservatoire of Wales, the College’s ongoing strategy strives for access to creative excellence, innovative practice and immersive educational experiences for our students, partners and the wider community,’ said Principal Helena Gaunt.
‘Becoming a Steinway Exclusive Conservatoire helps us to create a sustainable life cycle for music with opportunities for furthering partnerships, inclusion and diversity while enhancing our standing in the classical world.’
Commenting on the potential for outreach projects created by this new stage of the partnership, RWCMD Director of Music Tim Rhys-Evans said, ‘We believe passionately that every child should have the right to access to study at our Conservatoire if they have the aptitude, talent and desire to do so… No background is a barrier to excellence.’
Managing Director of Steinway & Sons UK, Craig Terry, commented, ‘For decades, we have taken great pride in our close association with the Royal Welsh College and its exemplary commitment to its students.
‘The College’s decision to become a world leader in their piano provision as a Steinway Exclusive Conservatoire marks the start of a new level of expectation for future generations of music students, and the College’s ambition to deliver creative excellence on an international level.’
The Steinway partnership will also contribute to the College’s extensive outreach programme across Wales with their support of the College’s Steinway Artist Masterclass series. Reaching out to young local talented pianists in the local community, this will strengthen the College’s links with regional music educators, while introducing new students and schools to College and Steinway.
Alongside this there will be a new Steinway scholarship for piano students and recital opportunities for Steinway scholars at Steinway Hall, international Steinway venues and a Welsh touring circuit.
The new Steinway partnership will be publicly launched at the College’s Grand Weekend which runs from 23-25 October.
