The wait is over – we are delighted to finally reveal the winner of the Ritmüller Classic 118 from Thornton Pianos!

Last month, Hot Press teamed up with Thornton Pianos (thorntonpianos.ie) to announce this fantastic prize, with a retail price of €4,395, for one lucky musician.

This traditional, professional studio upright with a stylised case brings the very latest in music design and technology to a highly functional piano. Built to serve, the rounded arms and arm fronts, legs, and complimentary toe block support the solid architecture. The Ritmüller is perfected by master piano designer, Lothar Thomma – and the Classic 118 [H: 118cm; W: 60cm; L: 150cm] has been the top-selling Ritmüller piano of recent years.

"2020 has been an incredibly difficult year for the people of Ireland," Thornton Pianos commented. "Since we opened in 1968, the people of Ireland have supported Thornton Pianos through think and thin. We have been blown away by the support of the Irish people this year, helping us have one of our most successful years to date. We know how important music is for so many of us so it's time to give back. We are delighted to be working with Hot Press to give you the chance to win an exceptional Ritmüller Classic 118 upright piano in time for Christmas."

The competition generated thousands of entries, sparking an incredible response from people across the country – from young aspiring musicians to big, music-loving families; from teachers on a mission, to professional players reaching for the stars.

In their competition entries, people reflected on the role of music as a crucial form of expression in their lives, and also of escape – something that became even more intense during lockdown.

Last week, our busy judges sorted through countless incredible entries – but there can only be one outright winner... which we can now reveal to be: Anne McCaffrey from County Offaly!

Thornton Pianos is an Irish family-run business that has been supplying new and reconditioned pianos nationwide for over 50 years. Renowned for their attention to detail, and ensuring that every piano they work on in-house meets the highest standards, Thornton Pianos are delighted to bring the excellence of Ritmüller pianos to their showroom and stages across the country.

Visit thorntonpianos.ie.