Kambala

www.kambala.nsw.edu.au

The reputation of Steinway, both in terms of of product quality and after-sales service, preceded our dealings with Theme and Variations Piano Services.

Having reached the stage of replacing our old uprights, we spoke to Theme and Variations about the possibility of ordering six of their larger-sized Boston pianos. The financial benefits received in our ordering of these pianos were handsome indeed. Given the high level of playing from our piano students, there was no doubt that Kambala should aim to become an All-Steinway School and gain access to the benefits that come with that status. These potential benefits include workshops, masterclasses, concerts, visiting famous pianists, the loan of a Steinway concert grand for special events; events the students wouldn’t have been able to experience otherwise.

The musical benefits to our young pianists are obvious: we now have realistically higher expectations of them regarding sensitivity of touch, and use of colours and contrasts in ways not possible before. At last, we have pianos that give back as much as the students put in. Hard work and pianistic nuance is rewarded in full. There is also that further incentive for extra practice. The teachers are very happy with these new pianos.

The Bostons are a superb instrument with impressive longevity and a wonderful sound; rounded and deep with a silvery touch to the quality – something quite unusual to find in an upright. The touch is even across the whole piano. The models we have are a new design, with the possibility to bring out the front board over the lid to give a very large music desk – beneficial for performers and composers alike. And the piano sound opens up when the lid/board is in this position.

In the near future we look forward to working closely with Theme and Variations in order to fundraise for a Steinway concert grand. Their dealings with Kambala have been consistently professional, knowledgeable and friendly. We look forward to a positive and ongoing relationship with Theme and Variations.

Mark Grandison
Director of Music
Kambala