Popular Steinway open day returns in March

The open day is happening on Saturday March 9. Image: Supplied.

Baycourt has the opportunity of a lifetime for anyone who has dreamed of playing a stunning Steinway piano.

The charitable trust is offering people the chance to play a Steinway D-274 grand concert piano during its Steinway Open Day at Baycourt Community and Art Centre Addison Theatre on Saturday March 9, from 10am.

Now into its third year, FOB's popular open day is open to people of all ages and abilities. There is no charge to play the Steinway but people will need to book a 15-20 minute timeslot before Friday March 8.

However, because of the open day's enormous popularity with local musicians FOB Chairperson Anna Finlayson-Smith recommends people reserved their spots quickly, to avoid missing out on a timeslot.

'It's always a pleasure to see members of our community embrace the opportunity to enjoy some private time with the piano of such high quality.

'For the FOB committee it is also exciting that the news of the Steinway Open Day is spreading further and further within the community.”

The Steinway D-274 grand concert piano first arrived in New Zealand from Germany in March 2009, after then FOB chairperson Jane Mason had an ambition to see a Steinway piano at Baycourt.

The Tauranga Regional Concert Piano Trust was formed to raise the necessary funds, and as part of the fundraising, they came up with the novel idea of selling the black and white keys to the piano.

As a result, the Steinway keyboard was purchased and each donor's name recorded against his or her chosen key. The keyboard is now proudly mounted on the wall in the small lobby that leads into the Addison Theatre.

Anna says the open day has been a massive hit with the community since its debut in 2017, so much so, FOB were encouraged to host two open days in March and October of last year due to public demand.

'Across the two open days approximately 45 people booked in to make the most of the chance to perhaps fulfil their dream of playing the Steinway.

'For the FOB committee, we are very happy the concept of holding these open days has proven as successful as it has.”

The Steinway Open Day at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre is taking place on Saturday March 9 from 10am.

Entry is free.

To book a timeslot, email Friends of Baycourt chairperson Anna Finlayson-Smith at dameanna@talk.co.nz or call 027 477 4566 before Friday March 8.

You may also like....

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.