See you in Stokey presents Meet the Grand Piano

Calling all talented pianists!

Stoke Newington’s Old Church has been gifted a Bechstein Grand Piano and is holding an open day for those wishing to play (and listen).

Meet the Grand Piano has been organised by the Stoke Newington Business Association in partnership with The Old Church and takes place from 2pm till 6pm on Sunday April 26^th.  Guest pianists will be performing in an informal concert from 3pm till 4pm and the public can book a slot (for £10) to perform. Money raised will go towards crucial repairs at the Elizabethan church.

Output Arts will also be there running kite-making workshops for crafters of all ages.

Deirdre Malynn, Director at The Old Church

Deirdre Malynn, Director at The Old Church, said: “This beautiful 1923 Bechstein grand piano has been lovingly restored and we’re so excited about the possibilities it will open up at our venue. It greatly increases the range of musical performance we can offer.

“For one day only, we’re offering the piano playing public the chance to play this stunning instrument in London’s only surviving Elizabethan church. The acoustics in this place are extraordinary.   Or they can come along and enjoy the music!

“We urgently need to raise £30,000 for repairs to The Old Church’s Victorian drains if we’re to stay open and we hope money raised at this community event will help save the venue.”

Lei Yang, co-chair of Stoke Newington Business Association, added: “This event is an invitation for the whole community to come together around something that truly matters. The Old Church is a much-loved symbol of the area, and the Stoke Newington Business Association is proud to support its future as an open, shared community space.

Meet the Grand Piano is, at its heart, a community event. We believe music shouldn’t be confined to concert halls or reserved for a few. Here, there is no hierarchy—just an open space where everyone is welcome.  We hope to make this music event accessible to all: to offer a chance to experience it up close, to enjoy it freely.”

Admission to the event is free (though you can make a donation at the door) and there’s a £10 fee for people wishing to play the piano.  Delicious food and drink from local businesses will be available to buy.

The Old Church hosts more than 160 music and community events each year and is a charity, receiving no funding or grants.

For more info, or to book your performance slot, visit www.seeyouinstokey.com/meet-the-grand-piano