In an effort to look after the Queenstown Memorial Hall grand piano, a series of lunchtime concerts have been organised featuring local pianists.

The Yamaha piano was purchased for the community in 2002 by the Aspiring Arts & Culture Trust with support from the Central Lakes Trust and Community Trust of Southland.  Queenstown-Lakes District Council Special Projects Manager Lee Harris has been told that the piano would be a better instrument if played regularly.

"I was concerned that the piano is largely unused for large chunks of the year.  This is a valuable community asset and one which people should have the opportunity to appreciate," Ms Harris said.

The Tunes on Tuesday lunchtime concerts will run from 12noon to 1pm.  People will be welcome to bring their lunch and encouraged to make a gold coin donation which will go to the pianist.

The Queenstown-Lakes District Council will sponsor the costs of the concerts in the short term, but Ms Harris would be keen to find a business that might support any power and cleaning costs so the concerts might continue throughout the year.

"Obviously there'll be times when the hall is in use, but whenever we can on a Tuesday, we'll wheel the piano out for a concert," Ms Harris said.  A flyer listing concerts would be placed in the glass-covered notice board at the Queenstown Memorial Hall.

The concerts will begin next Tuesday with well-known musician Mark Wilson (March 15), followed by Akemi Bond who was the keyboard player for the recent musical Hair (March 22) and Pog Mahones/Q Lounge regular Jamie Relton (March 29).

Other pianists interested in joining the roster should contact Ms Harris at the council - 441 0499.

ENDS

By: Tamah