Local musicians are being given a rare chance to play Baycourt Community and Art Centre's magnificent Steinway grand concert piano this month.

Friends of Baycourt are proud to announce the return of their popular Steinway Open Day at Baycourt's Addison Theatre on Sunday March 25, from 10am.

Chairperson Anna Finlayson-Smith says the open day is for people of all ages and abilities, and there is no charge for people wanting to play the Steinway.

But it is important people book a timeslot to play the Steinway by emailing Anna before Saturday March 24.

'You can play any music of your choice and you are most welcome to bring your own audience, in fact we encourage you to do so. The Steinway Open Day is also perfect for music teachers who would like to bring their pupils along,” says Anna.

'For Friends of Baycourt we simply want people to come to Baycourt and enjoy private time with this absolutely magnificent piano on the Addison Theatre stage.”

The Steinway D-274 grand concert piano first arrived in New Zealand from Germany in March 2009, after then FOB chairperson Jane Mason had an ambition to see a Steinway piano at Baycourt.

The Tauranga Regional Concert Piano Trust was formed to raise the necessary funds, and as part of the fundraising they came up with the novel idea of selling the black and white keys to the piano.

As a result, the Steinway keyboard was purchased and each donor's name was recorded against his or her chosen key. The keyboard is now proudly mounted on the wall in the small lobby that leads into the Addison Theatre.

Anna says the inaugural Steinway Open Day in 2017 was such a huge hit with everyone involved that it was an easy decision for FOB to bring the event back for another year.

'The pianists who took part in open day last year were so amazed by the Steinway and very much loved the opportunity to play what many of them called the ‘best piano in the world'. Many of them also asked us to hold the open day again in 2018, and so here we are!”

The Steinway Open Day is at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre, Durham St, Tauranga, on Sunday, March 25, from 10am. Entry is free. Bookings are essential.

To book a timeslot please email Friends of Baycourt chairperson Anna Finlayson-Smith at dameanna@talk.co.nz or by calling 07 579 2265.