Open invitation to play grand piano
Stawell Performing Arts Company will showcase the grand piano at Stawell Entertainment Centre on Sunday by hosting an open-access event as well as a short concert.
The company will present ‘Open Day on the Grand’ as part of a commitment to provide more opportunities for members of the public to play the piano.
President Dianne Stewart said Stawell Performing Arts Company was committed to providing performing arts opportunities to the community.
Performer Alanis Williams participated in a similar day last year.
“The grand piano makes a strong, amazing sound that fills the town hall and you feel so great to know that you can play this amazing instrument and make this awesome sound,” she said.
Last year the open day attracted six people to come and play, with many onlookers enjoying the music.
This year the company hopes to increase the number of people involved and to build on the day by arranging an additional afternoon concert featuring Ballarat composer and jazz and classical pianist Jack Stacey.
Stacey is in his second year of studying a Bachelor of Music at the University of New England, Armidale.
In recent years he completed his AMUSA in piano and was awarded a Ballarat Arts Foundation grant for the purchase of specialist equipment. He was also awarded a Ballarat Symphony Orchestra Scholarship for outstanding musicianship and continues to perform at a range of venues and events.
Phil Cockerill, who tunes and maintains the grand piano in Stawell, will introduce Stacey on Sunday and also provide an informative talk about the piano.
Open access to play the grand piano will be from 10am to 2pm with an entry fee of $3 a person for players and onlookers payable at the door.
People keen to book a time to play the piano before the day can call Dianne Stewart on 0427 850 278.
The afternoon concert will run from 3pm to 4pm, with pre-purchased tickets $10 for adults, $8 for concession-card holders and teenagers and $4 for children.
Tickets are available online through trybooking and overthe-counter cash sales at Stawell Neighbourhood House. Tickets at the door will be an additional $2.