Shamray donates fee towards new Steinway

Music

Outstanding pianist Konstantin Shamray has done more than just perform for Adelaide audiences at the recent opening concert of the 2010 Evenings at Elder Hall Concert Series.

Russian-born Shamray has donated his performance fee to help the University of Adelaide's Elder Conservatorium of Music purchase a new Steinway grand piano.

The piano, valued at more than $250,000, is a much-needed instrument for Elder Hall performances as well as teaching in the Conservatorium.

Steinway pianos are highly regarded throughout the world for their quality, with each grand piano requiring up to one full year to hand craft.

The Conservatorium of Music has been raising money since 2008 to purchase a new Steinway, which is due to arrive in Adelaide later this year.

"I have valued my past concerts in Adelaide, especially in Elder Hall, and Adelaide has become like a second home to me," said Shamray, who is arguably one of the most exciting pianists to have won the Sydney International Piano Competition.

"I feel very strongly about assisting the Elder Conservatorium in its purchase of a new Steinway. Such a piano can give great pleasure to so many people. It will offer students at the University the quality of instrument they need for both their studies and public performances."

"We are very grateful to Konstantin for his generous donation, and for all of those people who have donated towards this worthy purchase," said the Director of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, Associate Professor Carl Crossin OAM.

"We very much look forward to Konstantin returning to Adelaide and playing on our Steinway once it has arrived."

The next Evenings at Elder Hall concert is on Saturday 24 July. For a full program, visit: www.elderhall.adelaide.edu.au

Tickets to the Evenings at Elder Hall concerts are $25 adult, $20 concession or $15 student. Special Family Ticket deals are also available.

For ticket bookings, contact Elder Hall Manager Claire Oremland on 8303 5925 or email: claire.oremland@adelaide.edu.au

Story by David Ellis