In 1884, Peter Benoit, then director of the Conservatorium of Antwerp, commissioned a grand piano from the Parisian piano builder Pleyel. Since 1967 we have preserved this 'Benoit-Pleyel' in Museum Vleeshuis. Support the restoration of this concert grand, so that future generations too can experience the late-19th-century sound world of Peter Benoit and his contemporaries.
The instrument
Since 1967, Museum Vleeshuis, holding a permanent loan from the Royal Conservatorium of Antwerp, has preserved a concert grand piano from 1884, built by the renowned Parisian firm Pleyel: the Benoit-Pleyel. Named as such because Peter Benoit had the instrument purchased when he was director of the Municipal Music School of Antwerp (later Royal Conservatorium of Antwerp) and the piano stood in his office for a long time.
The instrument has become unplayable over the years and is now being restored to playable condition over the coming time in consultation with the Conservatorium and thanks to the Peter Benoit Fund.
Support the project
As a music lover, support the restoration project via the project account that the Peter Benoit Fund opened with the Flemish heritage association Herita.
Transfer at least 40 euros to the 'Benoit-Pleyel' account BE08 7430 7504 8813 and you will receive a tax certificate from Herita, with which you can get 45% of your donation back in the form of tax relief.
The restoration
The commissioners want this musical heritage to sound again, so that future generations too can experience the late-19th-century sound world of Peter Benoit and his contemporaries. Respect for the historical and heritage value of the instrument is central.
The restoration is financed by the Peter Benoit Fund, which thereby contributes to the preservation of important (Flemish) musical heritage. After restoration, the piano will be displayed in Museum Vleeshuis and used for concerts featuring late-19th-century and early-20th-century music.
The restorer
The Peter Benoit Fund has decided, with the approval of the Royal Conservatorium of Antwerp, to award the restoration of this historic piano to Atelier Herkenrode, led by Yannick Wijnants.
Craftsmanship is central to Yannick's approach and he preserves the historical value of the instrument as much as possible. The Peter Benoit Fund deliberately chose a young restorer. This way, the complex and special knowledge required for the restoration of historic instruments can also be developed, preserved and put into practice by a new generation.
Yannick Wijnants has worked, among others, with Philippe Jolly and Pianos Balleron, where he gained extensive experience tuning, voicing and restoring historic French grand pianos including Pleyel, Erard, Pape, Rollers & Blanchet and Gaveau. He also interned with the renowned pianoforte restorer and builder Christopher Clarke. Recently he opened his own workshop, Atelier Herkenrode. He has just completed the restoration of an almost identical instrument.
Press release Museum Vleeshuis, Antwerp
- WHAT: Restoration of the piano 'Benoit-Pleyel'
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Museum Vleeshuis Antwerp
- PHOTOS: © Museum Vleeshuis