The Piano is a new and uplifting six-part series unearthing everyday pianists from all over Australia through the celebration of the street piano. The series gives regular Australians the opportunity of a lifetime when they are invited to play at busy locations around the country. What the pianists don’t know is that they are being observed by two renowned expert musicians, multi-award winning and musical powerhouse Harry Connick Jr, and one of Australia’s greatest classical concert pianists, Andrea Lam. The pair are hidden away watching every note played and together they will choose a pianist from each location to mentor and play at a special end-of-series concert on one of Australia’s most revered stages, Sydney’s City Recital Hall.
Hosted by Amanda Keller, The Piano’s secret mission is to find and meet incredible community pianists who don’t aspire to stardom but simply have a passion for playing piano. Some of the most amazing performances have been filmed and gone viral, watched by millions online. But who are these people playing the world’s favourite instrument?
One instrument. A universal language and the power of music to connect us all. This Arts series uses the piano as a unique device to tell the stories of ordinary Australians, with an extraordinary musical gift.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. A Eureka production for the ABC. Major production investment from the ABC. Executive Producers: Bethan Briegel-Jones, Gemma Murphy, Josie Mason Campbell. ABC Commissioning Editor: Julie Hanna. ABC Head of Documentary and Specialist: Susie Jones.