Posted on 24th Nov
More than 130 pianists of all ages and abilities came together in Mansfield to break a record and raise money for a church appeal.
Sherwood Phoenix, the largest piano showroom in the UK, was the venue for the unique challenge as the pianists performed two pieces of music simultaneously.
The fundraising to buy a grand piano for St Mary Magdalene Church in Newark, which is being refurbished, was originally dubbed 101 Pianos, but so many wanted to take part that it was extended to 111 pianos and 136 pianists.
Stephen Pringle, founder of Sherwood Phoenix on Rosemary Street, studied piano restoration at Newark College. “We had more piano players than pianos, I think we had 136 in the end, all playing together. It was fantastic!”
Mansfield MP Steve Yemm welcomed the pianists, who included Rushcliffe MP James Naish as well as a chip shop owner, doctors, engineers, teachers, students, four generations of one family, and many more. They played Prelude in C Major by J. S. Bach and In The Hall Of The Mountain King by E. Grieg.
Among the organisers was Newark and Sherwood District Council. Deputy leader Coun Roz Cozens said: “I’m absolutely elated. It just shows you what music does, it brings people together — and what a joyful experience.
“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 brought together like-minded individuals, giving them time to focus on the beauty of music and the many wellbeing benefits that it brings.”
Colom O’Shead, one of the conductors for the music orchestra, added: “Music teaches us there is always something new to try to develop. This was the largest ensemble I’ve ever conducted and the largest I have ever seen.”
Organisers believe the performance broke a previous UK record for the most pianos played at once, but stressed there was no official attempt.
Roz added: “This event was a great example of the wider community and ecosystem of our district working and supporting one another. Stephen has gone on to have a very successful business that sends pianos all over the UK and beyond, and I am delighted to have worked alongside him on this incredible event.
“It provided a rare opportunity for pianists to meet, and I am thrilled that we worked 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.”
Following the restoration work phase of the Reawakening of St Mary Magdalene, the piano would be housed in the heart of the community at the church when it reopens.
You can find out more on the event website at www.101pianos.co.uk
You can view one of the performances at https://youtube.com/shorts/
