An underground piano movement is putting donated upright pianos in prominent locations around the shire as part of Castlemaine Fringe Festival, which runs from Friday 21 March until Sunday 6 April. One of the pianos will be plonked at Maldon Bakery and available to be played by the public or in pop-up concerts by ‘Pianists at Large’.
Maine Guerrilla Pianos is a project that began as a conversation over coffee late in 2024 and has since saved numerous “perfectly playable” pianos that were destined for the tip. Now the group is putting a spotlight on the joy of playing and listening to pianos throughout the festival and invited everyone to be involved.
The piano that will feature at Maldon Bakery was donated by a person from Junortoun who no longer had need of the bulky instrument; it has become a common story. Maine Guerrilla Pianos works with Joshua McPherson from Making Melody Music in Bendigo who assists with moving and tuning pianos.
Maldon Bakery Owner Rebecca Barnett responded enthusiastically when approached to host one of the donated pianos, saying that the piano would be: “Spreading joy through the streets of Maldon with piano music from our pavement. I encourage anyone to come along if you enjoy tinkling the ivories. All ages and abilities welcome!”
For locations of the other pianos and details of Maine Piano Guerrilla concerts, visit: bit.ly/pianoguerrillas.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 14 March 2025.
