“I have coveted, owned and preferred Steinways since my pre-teen years. My dream of owning one was fulfilled when my parents bought me an "O" in 1965, a piano I still own. In 1996, I was performing the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto #1 throughout China. I went to Beijing to perform with the top orchestra there. The house manager proudly showed their Bosendorfer Imperial Grand. I didn't even touch it; I asked "Do you have a Steinway?" He was insulted, to be sure, but it was my own artistry that was on the line and because I had to play that instrument, I was compromised.”

Noel Engebretson