Theme and Variations Piano Services

"Secrets of Steinway" with Ara Vartoukian

10am Monday 2nd August

Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Flinders Street, Townsville Queensland

It takes 12 months to handcraft a Steinway piano, but it will take you less than one hour to learn the Secrets of Steinway with technician Ara Vartoukian (Director of Theme & Variations) at this special presentation during the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in north Queensland. Since 1853, Steinway pianos have set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch and value. Not surprisingly, Steinway remains the choice of 95 per cent of pianists, composers and performers around the world.

While Steinway adheres to the traditional values of craftsmanship, they have also consistently led through innovation. The earliest pianos crafted by the firm were distinguished by their inventive features and technical improvements have continued ever since.

Today, each Steinway piano is a summation of their commitment to innovation. Each incorporates over 100 patented features as well as several recent improvements with patents pending. 

The informative ‘hands on’ talk will give attendees a greater insight into why a Steinway sounds so good. 

For more information about what's on at the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery click here. 

About Ara Vartoukian 

Ara obtained a Certificate with Merit from the School of Piano Tuning & Technology, SCM in 1978 where he obtained the highest marks of any graduate and set the record for the most accurate tuning within the school.

In 1979 he studied and worked in all the sections of the Yamaha Piano Factories in Hamamatsu and in 1980 took over as Lecturer in Charge of the School of Piano Tuning & Technology at the SCM.

In 1982 he was awarded a QEII Silver Jubilee Trust Scholarship for further study overseas and spent time studying in the factories of Steinway & Sons (Hamburg & NY), Grotrian, Renner, Bösendorfer and Baldwin. He later spent time studying in the Ibach and Bechstein factories and an extensive visit to Young Chang.

Ara has selected Steinway & Sons Concert instruments for many halls and institutions including the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Newcastle Conservatory of Music and the Angel Place Recital Hall.