LAMDA welcomes new pianos thanks to generous philanthropists

09 January 2024

With the recent addition of two Musical Theatre courses to our curriculum, we are delighted to have invested in seven new pianos. Thanks to the generous leadership support of Blüthner Pianos, Mr Li Shifeng, Shauna and Michael Salomon and the Overstall Charitable Trust, we have been able to purchase these beautiful new instruments from the renowned Leipzig-based piano manufacturer Julius Blüthner Pianofortefabrik.

Situated across LAMDA's key teaching and performance spaces are now five high-quality upright Irmler pianos and an F188 Irmler grand piano. We have also invested in a Haessler upright piano fitted with Blüthner's innovative e-Volution system to create a single acoustic/digital hybrid instrument.​​​​​ We are extremely grateful to all those who supported this significant investment in our facilities, including through our recent prize draw appeal.

Since 1861, LAMDA has been shaping the performing arts arena by training students in the dramatic arts and musical performance. In fact, LAMDA was originally founded by Henry Wylde as the London Academy of Music and LAMDA's current Principal and CEO, Professor Mark O'Thomas, is committed to reinvigorating the 'M' in LAMDA.

With the introduction of our new Musical Theatre courses and these wonderful new pianos, our students' musical output is set to become an ever-greater part of the LAMDA experience. 

On the new pianos, LAMDA's President, Benedict Cumberbatch CBE, said 'thanks to the generosity of Blüthner Pianos, Mr Li Shifeng, Shauna and Michael Salomon and the Overstall Charitable Trust, among others, LAMDA students and staff now have access to a fleet of stunning new pianos. 

'As a music lover myself, I am personally very grateful to the supporters who have made significant contributions to LAMDA to enable this purchase. With the launch of our first-ever Musical Theatre courses this year, there couldn't be a more opportune time for LAMDA to invest in beautiful new instruments that match the talents of our aspiring students.'

Find out more about our new postgraduate Musical Theatre courses below.

MA Musical Theatre 

MFA Musical Theatre