Timely Introductions
When music experts at the University College Sedaya International (UCSI) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, wanted a piano for their 400-seat recital hall, a Steinway concert grand was at the top of their wish list. However, the university wasn’t ready for such an incredible instrument ... at least not yet. The young university in this vibrant city of 1.5 million residents had the desire, but “ruled against the Steinway because our current hall does not have a proper room to keep or maintain a Steinway concert grand,” explains associate professor Dr. P’ng Tean Hwa, head of the university’s classical music department.
And while the Steinway concert grand remains the ultimate goal, the Steinway-designed Boston “became a compelling choice because we wanted pianos with a richer tone than the piano that we have,” says Dr. P’ng. Therefore, UCSI – which opened in 1990 – selected two seven foot Boston grand pianos for its music school that boasts about 250 music majors ... 90 percent of them majoring in piano.
Bentley Music Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s exclusive dealer for the family of Steinway-designed pianos, hosted a launch of Steinway instruments last year with a dinner and recital by American pianist Dr. Thomas Hecht and child prodigy Abigail Sin. One guest at the Kuala Lumpur event was Elizabeth Mou-Kit Lou, head of UCSI’s music department, who was invited by Joelle Phua, Bentley Music’s product manager.
As a result, when the time came to purchase a new piano, Ms. Lou and othersfrom the university’s music faculty visited Bentley Music, one of Malaysia’s leading musical-instrument suppliers. And while he did not attend the recital, Dr. P’ng was well aware of Boston pianos, having played one several years ago. “I remembered its tone quality and touch, which I find very interesting as they have properties found in the Steinway,” he says.
School officials understood why they wouldn’t be purchasing a Steinway right now and were pleased with Boston’s pricing, which made it possible for UCSI to acquire two Boston grand pianos (GP-215) ... while still staying within budget. “This allows us to present concerts requiring two compatible pianos. Hence our decision,” Dr. P’ng says. “Both staff and students at UCSI agree that the Boston has a rich and warm tone, with an even and responsive touch.”
According to Ms. Lou, the polished ebony Boston grand pianos will be used for rehearsals, recitals, concerts and master classes in the recital hall. UCSI music students – most from Malaysia “with a handful from Indonesia, China, the U.S. and Middle East countries” – can pursue bachelors of music degrees in classical and contemporary music.
Sedaya International College was awarded university college status by the Malaysian Ministry of Education in 2003 and became known as UCSI. It is poised to provide the widest choice of education options in the country. Dr. P’ng anticipates that when UCSI builds a new recital hall in the future, a Steinway concert grand will be needed, but adds, for now, “We are quite happy with our recent acquisition of the two Boston grands.”