Ella Henderson Debuts The Peugeot Design Lab Pleyel Piano In The UK

LONDON – Jan 28, 2013: X Factor sensation Ella Henderson debuted the Peugeot Design Lab Pleyel piano today in the UK with a one-off special performance. Ella, 17, showcased her extraordinary vocal and pianist abilities with an acoustic version of Cher’s ‘Believe’ as she evaluated the new piano - an innovative design with patented features which are the first for a piano design in over 100 years.

Watch Ella’s performance of Cher’s ‘Believe’ on the Peugeot Design Lab Pleyel piano here: Launch video / Performance video

After performing on the Peugeot Design Lab Pleyel piano, Ella Henderson, said; “It’s been a real privilege to be one of the first performers to play on the Peugeot Design Lab Pleyel piano. The design of it is so different to anything I’ve played on before and while it comes from a company more recognised for their stylish cars, it looks so futuristic and sounds incredible. It definitely added something to my performance today. My emotions today were a mixture of excitement and nervous energy, but I was worried people might be paying more attention to the piano than me!”

Peugeot, most easily recognised for its cars, also has a wealth of expertise that comes from 200 years of industrial heritage and 120 years of acknowledged automobile manufacture. In June 2012, Peugeot launched the ‘Peugeot Design Lab’ in Paris – a global brand design studio whose vocation is the design of non-automotive products, services and experiences for the Peugeot brand and external clients in all business sectors.

The Peugeot Design Lab Pleyel piano marks the first design created by an expert team of designers, engineers and technicians. Its development required many months of research, study and tests to ensure the piano retained Pleyel’s high sound quality, while delivering a unique playing experience and innovative exterior.

The end result features a number of unique innovations now patented; for the first time in the history of the piano the audience can see the artist play from all frontal views, showing off the pianist’s hands and creating a higher level of sound response and interaction between them and the audience.