PURCHASE OF GRAND PIANOS

Grey River Argus, 20 September 1948, Page 2

PURCHASE OF GRAND PIANOS

CHRISTCHURCH, Sept 13.. The Christchurch Civic - Music Council has brought two new tuilsized concert grand pianos in England. Members of the council have been pleased to find that Britisl manufactured pianos compare favourably with those of other nations The orders have been placed with two leading - British firms. One is the same model as the new niano in the new broadcasting studio felt that the situation of pianos in Christchurch tor both overseas and local artists hnd been unsatisfactory, through fault, for a considerable period, and has taken the step to difficulty. Two instruments have been ordered, so that they will not have to be shifted very often One will be housed in the Civic Theatre an the other in the Radiant Theatre Either instrument will be available to any artist who cannot use of the houses, provided he is willing to pay cartage and insurance. People using the pianos in either of the theatres will be able to nire them at a lower cost than they pay now for smaller and inferior instruments. lire revenue produced from them will go into a sinking fund. Christchurch will be assuied of haying instruments as good as any in anv other concert hall elsewhere. Th" decision to buy these, pianos as a" cost of £2OOO, landed in New Zealand, was made bv the council last week. Interest has been shown in the project by a number of music enthusiasts, and already the c °l l has received promises of donations amounting to £5OO. An appeal toi donations will be made shortly. The council hopes to have the instruments here in time for the Royal visit in March. A member of the council said yesterday that they should arrive in February.