a new grand piano
Thanks to a generous legacy gift and contributions from private donors, de Doelen has acquired a new Steinway & Sons Model D concert grand piano. A precious gift to our concert hall, to the musicians on stage and to everyone who comes to listen.
investing in the music of tomorrow
From the lightest touch to a chord that fills the hall, a concert grand must allow a pianist to express the smallest nuances. Even for listeners in the highest seats of the Grote Zaal, the music should sound clear and full.
De Doelen is committed to welcoming the world’s leading pianists. These musicians have exceptionally high expectations of the instruments they play and specifically request access to newer concert grands. With intensive use, a piano can gradually lose some of its outstanding tonal quality and projection. It may still be a fine instrument, but in a hall like ours, that subtle difference matters. This is why we need to renew our collection regularly with a new grand piano.
Such a purchase is a major investment, beyond what our regular budget can readily accommodate. The generosity of people who care deeply about music and de Doelen has made it possible, helping us continue to offer musicians and audiences the quality they expect from our concert hall.
made possible by generous support
A generous legacy gift formed the foundation of this purchase. Together with contributions from Tafel 22 and private donors Erno and Cuna, it made the arrival of the new grand piano possible.
Their connection to de Doelen has taken a tangible form: an instrument that will be played, become part of concerts and help create new memories.
This is what makes the project so special. Our donors’ love of music lives on in the experiences of musicians on stage and listeners in the hall. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed.
finding the right instrument
Choosing a new grand piano takes care and a discerning ear. Our classical music programmer Jeroen Smits therefore travelled to the Steinway factory in Hamburg with pianist Boris Giltburg to select an instrument for de Doelen.
In the video, we take you behind the scenes at the factory. Discover how the piano was chosen and meet the instrument that has now found a new home with us.
a celebration to begin
On 7 October 2026, we presented the new grand piano to the family of the person whose legacy helped fund it, the donors, Friends of de Doelen and fellow piano lovers. Music performed by Daria van den Bercken and stories about the purchase and selection brought the project to life. Wolf Leye of Piano’s Maene explained what makes this instrument so special. Through a video tour of the Steinway factory, he guided us through the entire production process and the craftsmanship behind the piano.
