In November 2024, Residentie Orkest will celebrate its 120th anniversary. This festive anniversary will be used as an opportunity for all Friends to make a special gift to the orchestra: a new grand piano. But why is a new grand piano needed? And how exactly does the selection process work? General and artistic director Sven Arne Tepl explains.

"The Residentie Orkest had been looking for a top quality grand piano for some time, as the old Steinway grand piano had 'run out' after ten years. Playing especially late-romantic work simply wore out the grand piano. The type and condition of such an important instrument have a direct effect on the soloists of international level that we can and want to attract. A top soloist looks not only at the company and the hall, but especially at the quality of the grand piano. The moment there is a top instrument, you can really compete with other cities in Europe. So the Residentie Orkest has felt for some time the urgency to find a new grand piano that fits perfectly into our Concert Hall ."

What does the selection process look like?
"Over the past season, several specimens were tried out. After all, not every grand piano is the same, and you are looking for that one special top instrument. Of course the instrument must be suitable for all styles, from classical solo to piano concertos with a whole orchestra from Mozart through Beethoven to Rachmaninov, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Bartók and newly written works. From transparent, with many overtones to powerful, with lows in the bass, a clear structured middle and a high that is round and radiant. A few months ago we found that perfect grand piano and, based on a large bequest from a Friend as well as our own contribution, the orchestra was able to make the commitment to purchase the grand piano."

How will the grand piano be financed?
"The new Steinway grand piano costs €150,000. Thanks in part to a bequest from a Friend, we have already come a long way. Now the Friends Association wants to raise the Last portion (€25,000) with Friends, donors and ticket buyers and anyone else who wants to make an extra contribution. Of course we as an orchestra are extremely happy about this! Thus, on the anniversary of the Residentie Orkest in November, we will be able to officially inaugurate this wonderful instrument. I am looking forward to it!"