Mission accomplished: Grand piano marks new dawn for Bellarine
THE Bellarine’s first public grand piano has arrived, after a successful funding campaign in recent months.
The Barwon Heads Arts Council (BHAC) will now be able to attract more top-level musical talent and performers following the purchase of a $20,000 refurbished Yamaha G5 piano.
The purchase was made possible by a fundraising concert viewed by 100 community music supporters back in August.
Further funds also trickled in from raffle sales and individual donations to raise the full amount needed for purchase.
More than 400 volunteer hours were also contributed in making the fundraising possible by the piano’s fundraising team led by Ocean Grove opera singer Sally Wilson, concert pianist Mark Kruger and BHAC committee members Sophia Legoe and Vicki Strachan.
“It’s a glorious piano to play,” Mr Kruger said.
“The tone is rich and velvety yet offers tremendous clarity.
“Ideal for the Classical repertoire and powerful Romantics alike, there is so much personality to it. Toby Mitchell has done an extraordinary job!”
In 2022, the piano was rebuilt and reimagined by local piano maker/technician Toby Mitchell.
The piano is available for hire at the arts hub on a first come, first served basis at the discretion of the committee.
The BHAC confirmed a small maintenance fund has been set up to assist with insurance, tuning and repair costs.
BHAC vice president Sophia Legoe said the piano will become a crucial part of the musical scene on the Bellarine.
“The Bellarine now has its own community grand piano, to be housed at the Barwon Heads Arts Hub,” Ms Legoe said.
“We look forward to the wonderful music and musicians a piano of this calibre will attract, adding another layer of colour to the rich tapestry of art and culture that is evolving at the Arts Hub, for everyone to enjoy.”
The Barwon Heads Arts Hub held its first official performance with the new piano last weekend, with local artist Bella Deer hosting a concert on Sunday.
To contact the BHAC, head to bhac.org.au/contact