Buxton Opera House has a new grand piano thanks to the generosity of a local couple who loved the theatre

David and Rowena Hammond were strong supporters and have left money in their will for a new Yamaha grand. Their legacy has also provided a special robot carrier which can transport the piano safely to the nearby Pavilion Arts Centre and other venues.

''We're so grateful for this very generous gift from Mr and Mrs Hammond,' said Carol Prowse, Chairman of High Peak Theatre Trust. 

“Having such a high quality instrument will make a huge difference. It means we won't have to hire pianos in for many of our concerts in the future.”

The C7X is the top model of Yamaha’s world renowned C series, and is said to ‘sing’ with a voice of refined grace, providing a clear sound with a clean attack, sparkling tone, and transparent harmonies.

You can be one of the first to hear the instrument played during a special concert hosted by Lady Jasmine Cavendish, patron of Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre.

The inaugural piano recital of the Yamaha C7X will take place on Friday 12 May at 1pm, as part of the Pavilion Arts Centre Coffee Concert series. Entertaining audiences on the keys will be a rising young musical star, Dominic Degavino, set to blow audiences away with a programme of Ludwig Van Beethoven, Sergei Rachmaninov, Toru Takemitsu and Franz Liszt.

Limited tickets are available to Join Lady Jasmine Cavendish and Buxton Opera House staff & volunteers for the special event. Following the recital, Dominic Degavino will be available to meet and greet audience members over coffee.

Buxton Opera House Inaugural Grand Piano Coffee Concert with Dominic Degavino takes place at the Pavilion Arts Centre on Friday 12 May at 1pm. Tickets are priced at just £7 in advance and £10 on the door.