When Riverlinks and the Greater Shepparton City Council, assisted by public donors, purchased a new $250,000 Steinway grand piano in 2004, one of the benefits was that local pianists would get to play it and local audiences would have the pleasure of hearing it played by local artists.
Out of that aspiration the annual Playing for Pleasure concert was born, with the latest edition being held on Sunday, May 15.
One of the local pianists given the honour of playing in the concert is Dr Monica Aitken.
She said Steinways were among the finest pianos in the world and a highlight for her to be given the opportunity to play one.
“Absolutely it’s a thrill, it is wonderful,” Dr Aitken said.
“It is the best piano, it truly is very responsive, the sound is so rich. I wish I could take it home.”
The concert will feature locals who have attained a minimum Australian Music Examinations Board fifth grade standard.
They include students learning the piano and teachers teaching the art form.
Playing for Pleasure was created to ensure the local community maintained its link with the Steinway, given the way they contributed to its purchase, through casual concerts, and by giving Goulburn Valley artists opportunities to perfect their talent by having access to it.
Dr Aitken said people who attend the concert will not be disappointed.
“The sound is magnificent, it really is nice, the sound itself is really worth listening to,” she said.
“And just to see the piano, it’s a concert grand, it’s absolutely amazing.”
The Playing for Pleasure concert is at Riverlinks Eastbank in Shepparton on Sunday, May 15, at 2pm. Cost of entry is a gold coin donation.