As part of celebrating the 10th anniversary of the creation of our Music School in 2012, Pangbourne College is very pleased to continue its relationship with the world-class piano manufacturer, Steinway & Sons. In May 2012 it became an All Steinway School. At that stage, the College was one of only four schools with this special relationship. It has now been joined by 16 other schools who recognise the benefits of these wonderful instruments.

On Wednesday 22 June Chapter Two of our relationship with Steinway began and the 10-year-old pianos were replaced with new ones. The older ones are now even more valuable than they were when they were new. They will be going to new homes where they will be loved and enjoyed. 

‘In order to give our pupils more time to learn on the largest of the Steinway concert grand pianos, the Model C which was in the Nancye Harding Recital Hall has now been replaced with a Model D,’ said Mr Chris McDade, Director of Music. ‘This particular piano and the recital space within which it sits are also perfect for our pupils and professional musicians to make recordings; there is a special recording studio attached and the piano has been chosen especially with this purpose in mind.’ 

In addition to the Model D, the College has a Model C concert grand piano in the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel (which the College owns) and a Model A grand piano in one of the practice rooms of the Music School (known as the Harding Communications Centre). In the remaining practice rooms of the Music School and one of the music classrooms there are Steinway upright pianos.

Mr Thomas Garnier, The Head of Pangbourne College, said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to renew our contract with Steinway & Sons. I am very much hoping that a new generation of Pangbournians will appreciate the fantastic opportunities they have to learn on and enjoy these fabulous instruments.’

There are plans to visit Steinway Hall in London early next year. Watch this space! For more #PangCollMusic related content, click here.