1. Who selects the piano?  

As is tradition, this year a delegation from the Queen Elisabeth Competition selected the instrument at Piano's Maene's workshop in Ruislede. Pianist and jury member Jean-Claude Vanden Eynden chose from two preselected Steinway concert grand pianos. The aim is to find an instrument that possesses both the warmth needed for a solo recital and the power and clarity needed for the final concerts.   

2. How does the piano arrive on stage?  

With an average 500 kg, a concert grand piano is just a little less convenient to transport than a violin or a piccolo. Fortunately, the famous architect Victor Horta took into account moving these heavyweights in 1928. A light slope allows piano movers to reach the Henry Le Bœuf Hall stage without too much pulling and dragging. 

3. One or two concert grand pianos?  

Since the competition piano is used intensively during the performances and must meet the highest standards, a spare grand piano will be provided. Should a string break, for example, the performance would have to be temporarily interrupted to solve this problem. In a tight schedule, this means costly loss of time. Therefore, there's always a spare instrument available for immediate use. Although breaking a string is extremely rare, we are prepared for anything! 

4. 98% of concert halls worldwide have a Steinway  

As a regular or casual concert-goer, have you ever noticed: when a world-renowned pianist plays in a concert hall in Belgium or abroad, in most cases the instrument is a Steinway & Sons concert grand piano. Indeed, further research shows that 98% of concert halls worldwide have one or more Steinways. The particularly sensitive and highly reliable touch, wide dynamic range, and distinctive tone of the Steinway is appreciated by 95% of professional pianists. 

5. From Alaska to Brussels  

The spruce used for the soundboard comes from a single island in Alaska, the only location that meets the demanding specifications. The unique microclimate yields spruce with the highest quality in grain density, direction and colour, enhancing the transmission of tonal string vibrations. The pianists of the Queen Elisabeth Competition 2025 best knock (this) wood to reach the finals.   

The Queen Elisabeth Competition at Bozar takes place from 26 May to 11 June.   

Piano's Maene has long been a loyal partner of Bozar and shares our passion for music. Like the Centre for Fine Arts - and the Queen Elisabeth Competition - the company builds on a rich history in which tradition and innovation go hand in hand. Want to know more about Pianos Maene and Steinway? Visit their website here.