UPDATE: A last-minute scramble to secure a concert piano has successfully saved renowned pianist Timothy Young‘s highly anticipated recital at The Cube in Wodonga on August 16. After a sudden rejection of the planned loan from Charles Sturt University, organizers turned to St Matthew’s Church in Albury for an alternative solution.
The not-for-profit group Murray River Fine Music initially believed it had arranged a Shigeru Kawai grand piano through a bequest from classical music enthusiast Ruth Whyte. However, on August 11, Helena Kernaghan, the artistic director, was informed that her request for the piano had been denied, leaving her in a state of panic just days before the performance.
“I was devastated,” said Kernaghan. “This was like, ‘how do we do this? How do I actually run this show?’” Despite the setback, she quickly went into damage control mode to ensure the concert would go on.
Initial inquiries to book the piano were made back in April, with the Murray Conservatorium directing them to the university. In a twist, a spokesperson from Charles Sturt confirmed that the booking was approved but indicated that a formal agreement was never established. “There was no written agreement in place,” said the conservatorium’s spokesperson.
Kernaghan revealed she had been advised to contact the university but did not realize the conservatorium now held ownership of the piano. “We assumed they were all in contact with each other,” she explained, expressing frustration over the lack of communication.
As Kernaghan continued to seek alternatives, her removalist informed her of a cancellation attempt by the conservatorium. A message seen by The Border Mail stated that the piano was “property of the Murray Conservatorium” and would not be leaving. “They didn’t ask my permission to cancel the booking,” she insisted, highlighting the chaos surrounding the situation.
In a fortunate turn of events, Father Peter MacLeod-Miller of St Matthew’s Church stepped in to loan the church’s piano for the performance. “I am thrilled with St Matthew’s and the potential collaboration there,” said Kernaghan. Father MacLeod-Miller described the outcome as a “musical miracle,” emphasizing the importance of having a quality instrument for such a prestigious pianist. “Imagine having no piano; it would be like having a pub with no beer!” he remarked.
The concert, part of the Geoffrey McFerran Young Victorian Piano Competition, will take place in Wodonga on August 16 and August 17. Young is set to adjudicate the event, making the successful resolution of the piano dilemma all the more critical.
With the performance just hours away, the collaboration between Murray River Fine Music and St Matthew’s Church not only salvages the concert but also highlights the community’s resilience in the face of adversity. This developing story is a testament to the power of collaboration and determination in the arts.
