Yamaha Officially Opens New Piano Artist Centre in Paris
Paris, France – 19 January 2026 — Yamaha Music Europe GmbH today announced the official opening of Yamaha Artist Services Europe Paris, establishing a new European headquarters for Yamaha Artist Services for piano and marking a major milestone in Yamaha’s global commitment to supporting artists and musical excellence.
Located on the Rive Gauche in the heart of Paris, the centre joins Yamaha’s established artist services facilities in Tokyo and New York, strengthening the company’s international network and creating a permanent European base dedicated to artistic collaboration, performance preparation, and specialist technical support.
The opening was formally marked by an official inauguration ceremony at the new centre, bringing together a distinguished group of guests from across Europe and the international piano community. Conceived as a vibrant cultural and artistic hub, Yamaha Artist Services Europe Paris has been created for Yamaha Artists, international concert pianists, competition participants, piano professors, students, and institutions. The centre reflects Yamaha’s long-standing philosophy of partnership with artists, combining world-class instruments, expert technical services, and a collaborative creative environment.
The inauguration event featured speeches by Takenori Tadokoro, General Manager of the Piano Sales Department at Yamaha Corporation Japan, Hinderik Leeuwe, Director of the Piano Division at Yamaha Music Europe, and Loïc Lafontaine, Manager of Yamaha Artist Services Europe. In their addresses, Takenori Tadokoro and Hinderik Leeuwe emphasised Yamaha’s enduring commitment to supporting artists and the continuous development of the piano, outlining the company’s ambition to create the world’s finest instruments and to build a truly global artist services network.
Loïc Lafontaine presented the vision for the Paris centre, introducing its facilities, its role within Yamaha’s European and global artist services strategy, and the wide range of artistic activities that will take place there, including piano practice, recordings, masterclasses, and concerts.
Between the speeches, guests were treated to live performances by internationally recognised artists closely associated with Yamaha, including Alexandre Tharaud, Mari and Momo Kodama, jazz pianist Edouard Ferlet, and scholar of the Tharaud Foundation Nadja Dornik, creating a rich and varied musical programme that reflected the centre’s artistic ambition and international character.
The facility itself features a versatile performance space with seating for up to 100 guests, alongside multiple rehearsal and studio spaces designed for piano practice, recordings, masterclasses, concerts, and artistic development. Artists have access to Yamaha’s full range of Premium Pianos, including the handcrafted CF Series with the flagship CFX Concert Grand, the SX Series, and the Disklavier CFX, enabling high-definition recordings, international remote masterclasses, and tailored services such as audition trial sessions and recording support.
In a closing address, Alexandre Tharaud said: “It’s wonderful to have a place like this, with exceptional pianos kept in perfect condition. For us pianists who so often work in solitude, having a space where we can meet, connect, exchange ideas, and share experiences is truly invaluable.” “The opening of Yamaha Artist Services Europe Paris represents a defining moment for our artist services network,” said Hinderik Leeuwe. “It creates a permanent European home for our commitment to artists, ensuring they receive seamless support, exceptional instruments, and world-class technical expertise wherever their careers take them.” “This centre is a living expression of Yamaha’s dedication to artists,” added Loïc Lafontaine. “It is a place to connect, create, and collaborate; where musicians are supported not only through instruments and technical excellence, but through relationships, trust, and a shared pursuit of artistic growth.”
With its facilities now fully operational, Yamaha Artist Services Europe continues its role, now with a dedicated European centre providing professional spaces, instruments, and technical expertise to support artists in their creative and professional work. Yamaha Artist Services Europe Paris 122 Rue de Javel, 75015 Paris
For further information contact Loïc Lafontaine at
ABOUT YAMAHA
Yamaha Music Europe GmbH is a subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instruments based in Hamamatsu, Japan. Founded in 1887, the Yamaha Group has expanded into various business activities related to sound and music. With a rich legacy in piano making spanning more than a century, Yamaha has continually set industry standards through its dedication to precision engineering and artistic excellence. In 1900, Yamaha produced its first upright piano, followed by its first grand piano in 1902 — setting the foundation for generations of musical excellence. In 2022, Yamaha introduced the next-generation CFX Concert Grand piano, developed in close partnership with leading pianists to deliver exceptional expression and performance in the most demanding concert environments. Yamaha’s flagship CFX Concert Grand, the handcrafted SX Series, and the revolutionary Disklavier technology are celebrated on concert stages, in conservatories, and in homes around the world. Yamaha remains dedicated to its mission to inspire musical expression and connect people through the transformative power of sound.
