Public love Alexander’s Hamilton visit
The world’s longest Piano “Alexander” was brought to Hamilton on October 6th by the great efforts of Adrian Mann and Cate Prestige. It was brought here for 2 weeks.
Events were held from 8th October to 17th October at Creative Waikato, Alexander Street, from 12 pm to 2 pm for the public. They were totally free accessed events that anybody could attend.
The public were allowed to play the piano. Various people attended the events to play and to enjoy the performances by various competent Pianists.
Around 500 people attended the events during the two weeks with people coming in to the piano concerts. The events were successful, though Prestige believes that it would have been more successful if the piano has been kept for longer period of time.
The piano has helped people to know where Creative Waikato was and what they did.
Though Adrian had the option of having the piano in Auckland for a month with Auckland Philomonia Orchestra and KBB Music, it was brought to Hamilton from Timaru with the support of various organisations, individuals and Wintec’s Cate Prestidge.
Cate’s Prestidge played a big role in bringing the piano in Hamilton. Her hard work and dedication contributed a lot, and helped piano lovers to be very close with” The World’s Longest Piano” and its grand success too.
Firstly a meeting was held between Creative Waikato and Waikato Museum regarding hosting the piano. Because of its size, the piano would not fit in the museum, so it was decided to use Creative Waikato’s space, which is at street level.
Bringing piano to Hamilton was not Prestidge’s idea, but when she was asked, she and her husband were willing to fund the piano to bring it here. However, she put in an application after hearing about Creative Waikato’s Community Scheme. The fund helped Adrian cover the transportation charges from Auckland to Hamilton, and to run the event successfully.
Adrian was very happy with the warm welcome from Hamiltonians and he loved being here.
The piano has already been to Auckland and Wellington and is now returning to its home in Timaru after a successful visit.
