
10 Questions with Muzz Shah
Meet Muzaffar Shah, the visionary behind Grand Passion Pianos, a piano company exclusively dedicated to grand pianos that brings timeless beauty and craftsmanship to life. Based in London, Muzaffar has carved a trusted niche in the world of luxury with his expert knowledge and devotion to the very best instruments. His passion for fine detail and custom finishes has led him to collaborate with interior designers, creating pianos that harmonise beautifully with the most exquisite spaces – including custom creations for luxury yachts. Through his work, Muzaffar offers clients more than just a musical instrument; he creates a unique statement piece that brings elegance and artistry into their homes.
01
Where is your favourite travel destination and why?
I have an enormous soft spot for Italy. The food, the wine, the culture, the achingly quaint villages – it all adds up to a wonderful lesson in how to live life well. And somehow that real dolce vita feeling is hard to replicate outside of Italy, which keeps me going back. It may have been hyperbolic but I can understand the sentiment behind Guiseppe Verdi’s famous words, “You may have the Universe if I may have Italy”. A particular favourite spot to holiday for us is Lake Como. We first discovered this beautiful enclave when we attended a friend’s wedding there and we just fell in love with the breathtaking scenery. The thing about Italy is that there are so many wonderful spots – Florence for art, Sicily for Baroque architecture, Umbria for the most gorgeous towns, Verona for opera. I don’t think I will ever grow tired of Italy.
02
What is your most memorable holiday?
Well leaving aside many trips to Italy, we spent 10 days driving through New England during the fall a couple of years ago. This was probably the coziest holiday I have ever taken, and, to be honest, I was not expecting the holiday to be as memorable as it was. That part of America has a real olde-worlde charm. It is all about outstanding hospitality, apple cider, pumpkin pie, roaring fires and good eating. All of this set against the backdrop of the spectacular fall foliage which we followed upstate using our trusty fall foliage map. I also got to spend some time fishing which is my absolute favourite outdoor pastime. The brown trout were in full evidence upstate. All in all, just pure catharsis.

03
What is your favourite season?
We are in it right now. There is something really wholesome and comforting about Autumn. I love the cooling of the weather and bright, crisp days. It is a time of year when I feel very grounded and get some of my best work done. It is also a very busy time in the piano world, since many customers are keen to have a piano in their home in time for Christmas. Then there is the seasonal food and drinks which I also love, and as the weather cools further, cozy evenings by a fire ideally with rain pelting on the windows.

04
Where in London do you go to let your hair down?
I don’t have a “go-to” venue which I am at every weekend. I like to mix it up because one of the wonderful things about London is that there is such a variety of places to try and it depends on my mood too. Particular favorites though are the Claridge’s Bar and Home House.

05
Describe your perfect day in London?
Well it would have to start with good coffee! Luckily we are spoilt for choice in London with excellent coffee houses. I really love what I do, so a perfect day would include a couple of client site visits to discuss their ideal piano or to progress a bespoke instrument project. Lunch would be healthy, but not too healthy, and ideally an opportunity to catch some time with a friend. I really like casual lunching on Charlotte Street near my piano showroom. In the afternoon, time for a peruse of London’s burgeoning gallery scene to discover some new artists. A return to the piano showroom late afternoon to greet a visiting pianist who plays brilliantly. And then martinis and dinner with my partner and close friends somewhere fabulous in the evening!

06
Where in London do you recommend for a first date?
Oh gosh, it’s been so long I am not the right person to ask for dating advice! I’m not sure about a specific venue, but I would recommend a bar rather than a restaurant so that there is not too much pressure from the offset. And ideally somewhere with a view so that if the date doesn’t take your fancy, at least you can gaze out the window!

07
What is your favourite flower?
It’s so difficult to pick just one, but, if I had to, it would be the tuberose. I love its vertical form and the delicacy of the multiple flowers on each stem. I find the scent both intoxicating and transporting. It reminds me of my South Asian heritage since when you visit a house in the subcontinent you often find freshly cut tuberose scenting the entire home.

08
If you could send flowers to only one person each week, who would that be and why?
It would have to be my mother. To let her know that I am thinking of her and grateful for everything.

09
What is your favourite film of all time?
“Death becomes her”! I just find this film magical and so nostalgic. The cast is stellar with Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis delivering unforgettable performances. The plot is really imaginative - I love the darkly comedic examination of vanity, rivalry and the quest for eternal youth – with just the right balance of supernatural intrigue. The film’s black comedy brilliantly balances satire and absurdity, making it both hilarious and thought-provoking. It must also have some of the best special effects for its time.

10
Do you have a favourite book or author?
I have always thought that The Secret History by Donna Tartt is an absolute masterpiece. Perhaps something resonated in the plot since I studied classics subjects. Moreover, the writing is so exquisite and the characters so finely wrought that this is probably my favourite book of all time – again – if I had to choose. I have read many other wonderful novels too.

Website: www.grandpassionpianos.co.uk
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