Grand gift for Coffs Harbour’s music community

COFFS Harbour’s music scene is about to get a major boost. 

A Yamaha CS9 Professional Concert grand piano has taken up residence at the Regional Conservatorium (CHRC).

The instrument, gifted by Coffs Harbour City Council and a local benefactor, has been carefully restored and returns to take pride of place in the conservatorium’s recital hall.

Chair of the Conservatorium, Dr Terrence Hays, said the piano will be a cultural treasure for the city.

“A concert grand has the power to thrill and inspire.

“This restoration is an investment in our community’s musical future, one that will give our students the chance to play a world-class instrument and allow us to welcome leading performers to Coffs Harbour.”

The restoration was supported by the community with $14,000 raised towards the cost.

Parts were sourced from Europe and Japan and the restoration was undertaken by one of Australia’s best piano technicians – Joel Breski from “Pianology”.

The grand piano was originally donated to the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery in 2014, earning high praise from international pianist Roger Woodward, who commented that “It’s the best Yamaha I have ever played”.

After being placed in storage due to the construction of the new council building, it is now being gifted to the Conservatorium.

“This… will strengthen Coffs Harbour’s reputation as a regional hub for music and the arts,” Dr Hays said.

“With an instrument of this calibre, the Conservatorium aims to entice more renowned performers to visit the region.”

The Yamaha CS9 has had a total refit including top quality new nickel-coated strings, which reduce rust, new hammers, new pins, bushes, felts, a refurbished soundboard, larger concert stage casters and a new-look gloss finish.

A special series of recitals will celebrate its arrival.

By Jen HETHERINGTON