101 Pianos event to bring pianists together for record-breaking performance, while helping fund a new instrument for the Newark community

Pianists of all ages and abilities are invited to experience the joy of making music together — while attempting to break a local and UK record.

The 101 Pianos event will offer pianists a one-off chance to play together in a piano orchestra, and perform two pieces together: ‘Prelude in C/Ave Maria’ by Bach/Gounod and ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ by Grieg.

The unique, record-breaking event will take place on Saturday, November 22, from 10am at Sherwood Phoenix Pianos, Mansfield — a venue owned by a Newark College-trained instrument specialist.

This event is about more than breaking records though, with the organisers also fundraising to buy a world-class, high-quality piano for the community of Newark, to benefit learners, performers, and audiences alike.

Following the restoration work phase of the Reawakening of St Mary Magdalene project, the piano would be housed in the heart of the community at Newark Parish Church when it reopens.

Rowan Cozens, deputy leader and portfolio holder for heritage, culture and the arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “After our Alive With Music launch earlier this year, and the feedback we received, it is very apparent that music and music-making is important to people across our district. People use it to get together, to feel better and to share joy.

“This fantastic community event will bring together like-minded individuals, giving them time to focus on the beauty of music and the many wellbeing benefits that it brings. It will also provide an opportunity to shine a light on the creative sector and the incredible impact that music has on lives as well as fundraising to acquire a world class, high quality piano for the community of Newark.

“This event is a great example of the wider community and ecosystem of our district working and supporting one another. Stephen Pringle founder of Sherwood Phoenix studied piano restoration at Newark College and has gone on to have a very successful business that sends pianos all over the UK and beyond and I am delighted to be working alongside him on this incredible event.

“The event provides a rare opportunity for pianists to meet, and I am thrilled we are working alongside the Reawakening of St Mary’s project to support the purchase of such a wonderful piano to be located in one of the most beautiful and inspiring buildings in Newark, St. Mary Magdalene’s Church.”

Sheet music for beginners through to grade eight is available on the event website, where pianists can also sign up for the event, at www.101pianos.co.uk.

Attendees of the 101 Pianos event can also choose fundraise for a chosen cause of their own, or just come along and play for the joy of it.