New Trinity-Steinway Scholar Announced

We are delighted to announce the recipient of this year’s prestigious Trinity-Steinway Scholarship is Third Year student Ben Abraham. At age 13, Ben is one of the youngest winners of this prize, yet Professor Vanessa Latarche, Head of Keyboard at the Royal College of Music (RCM), was impressed by his brilliant technical display and musical conviction.  

The final auditions took place last week at the RCM, where Professor Latarche listened to our three selected finalists: Lower Sixth student Zain Lam, Fourth Year Isaac Rogers and Ben Abraham. She was immensely impressed by the pianism displayed in all three students; however, she found Ben’s musical energy highly impressive, and he was awarded the prize. Professor Latarche is very much looking forward to working with Ben this year and is excited by his prospects.   

Ben said, “I’m shocked, I never thought I would win this prize, but I’m absolutely delighted.”  

Mr Evans, Head of Piano, said, “Ben is an exciting prospect indeed and we very much look forward to watching his playing develop over the coming years.” 

Ben comes from a musical family and started playing the piano when he was five years old. His mother was his first teacher and provided the encouragement and discipline required to practise at the beginning. However, music had soon become such a big part of his life, that Ben continued to play and develop his skills, also taking up the trombone and organ. 

Ben says, “Music is a way of life for me, I listen to it while studying, on the way to school, I feel it in me all the time. Coming to Trinity has really helped me develop, the Music Department is spectacular and has given me a huge amount of confidence, as the teachers all treat the students like professionals.  

“I am excited for the Steinway Scholarship; I know it will require a lot of dedication, but it is a big step for me as a musician, giving me the opportunity to mature and become more sophisticated in my approach. It’s the next big step for me musically.” 

The annual Trinity-Steinway Scholarship is a unique award and collaboration between Trinity, Steinway & Sons and the Royal College of Music, supporting talented young pianists. Ben will now attend lessons with Professor Latarche and will also attend masterclasses in Poland and give recitals in the Trinity Piano Festival, Venice and at Steinway Hall. 

Trinity became the first All Steinway School in London in 2012 and now benefits from an impressive fleet of 25 pianos, including two model D concert grand pianos and five further grand pianos. The Steinway Suite is the first teaching facility of its kind in the world, offering exceptional practice and research facilities.