Bechstein celebrates 170th anniversary with film series

Florence Lockheart
Thursday, October 12, 2023

The ‘Monumental’ series sees the piano maker partner with contemporary composers for performances in iconic locations

The film series kicks off with the release of a film starring French composer, Sofiane Pamart, performing at the Château de Chenonceau. © Adobe Stock
The film series kicks off with the release of a film starring French composer, Sofiane Pamart, performing at the Château de Chenonceau. © Adobe Stock

Piano maker C. Bechstein is celebrating its 170th anniversary with the release of a series of films showcasing the brand’s artists alongside iconic monuments worldwide. The ‘Monumental’ film series kicks off today with the release of a film starring French composer, Sofiane Pamart, performing at the Château de Chenonceau.

The series launch will include a further two films, one focusing on Chinese pianist Haiou Zhang performing alongside one of the most comprehensive collections of European sculptures in Berlin’s Bode Museum. The third ‘Monumental’ film will see Japanese artist Koki Nakano in the atrium of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao alongside choreographer and performer, Tess Voelker.

Morgan Franke, C.Bechstein’s creative director, said: ‘It was important for us to showcase the bandwidth of C. Bechstein artists – from the classical world to modern classical, avant-garde and pop music. C.Bechstein has its doors open to everyone and what most excites us is to see how the C. Bechstein sound gains new colours through the hands of different artists.’

The films honour the collaborative approach taken by Carl Bechstein, who founded the company in Berlin in 1853 and nurtured close associations with the artists and music enthusiasts of his time. Beyond the three-film series launch, ‘Monumental’ will continue to tour iconic buildings worldwide, showcasing the talent of Bechstein ambassadors.