World-class piano finds home at BMI

ROYAL South Street Society has welcomed the arrival of a Schimmel Konzert Grand K195 piano to be housed at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute.

The Margaret Schofield OAM Memorial Piano was unveiled last Friday, purchased with the support of society benefactor Andrew Cochrane, in partnership with Bernie’s Music Land and Schimmel Pianos.

The wider community also contributed by purchasing one or more of 88 piano keys in their name as part of the Key to Music campaign.

The piano is named after Mr Cochrane’s mother, Margaret Schofield, who was one of Australia’s leading pianists and a supporter of Royal South Street.

It will be used for the eisteddfod’s Pianoforte, Chopin, Vocal, and Aria events and be available for approved community hire.

“For more than 134 years, the Royal South Street Society has provided a platform for musicians, singers, dancers, and performers to showcase their talents, launching careers on both national and international stages,” RSSS executive officer Judy-Ann Quilliam said.

“Everyone knows someone who has performed at Royal South Street.

“We are sincerely grateful to the performing arts community who have supported this initiative and enabled us to bring one of the finest Schimmel pianos in the country to Ballarat.”

Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute chair Paula Nicholson said the organisation is thrilled to provide a home for the piano.

“The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute are delighted to not only welcome Royal South Street Society into our building as partners but also have the opportunity to home this incredible piano,” she said.

“The history of performance and events at the BMI is long and illustrious and the new opportunity to showcase and utilise this wonderful instrument enhances the future of artistic and creative excellence in our regional city.”