A piano for the people by the people

BENDIGO Fine Music has launched a public appeal for The People’s Piano Project.

The organisation is hoping to raise $75,000 towards obtaining a grand piano to be used as a community asset.

“Every great music city needs a first-class grand piano,” said Pip Johanson from Bendigo Fine Music.

“For too long, Bendigo’s musicians and audiences have had to make do, either hiring pianos from Melbourne or having to settle for less than excellence.

“Bendigo Fine Music is launching a public appeal to change all that with The People’s Piano project.

“With the support of our generous piano supplier, and because we are a community project, we have secured a brand-new instrument for a fantastic discounted price.

“Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, we already have $25,000 to start the appeal.

“We need to raise an additional $50,000 to achieve our goal of $75,000 and make this dream a reality.”

All donations to this project through Bendigo Fine Music are tax-deductible, and every dollar goes directly to the purchase and upkeep of The People’s Piano.

Bendigo Fine Music is an entirely volunteer-run group which is committed to hosting high quality live performances.

“In purchasing the piano, we hope to welcome leading concert pianists to perform in Bendigo,” said Ms Johanson.

“We will be able to support workshops, masterclasses and chamber groups, helping local talent grow and thrive.

“The piano is the pinnacle of Yamaha’s CX Series, very close to a full concert grand size, with famously high quality, supreme versatility, legendary reliability and, above all, dependability and stability in the Australian climate.

“Universally acknowledged as the ideal grand piano for medium-sized auditoria, these pianos have been the choice of innumerable concert spaces, salons and performers around the world for over 45 years.

“Pledges will help ensure that Bendigo has the piano it deserves.”

For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit bendigofinemusic.com.