We are thrilled to announce that after an eight-month fundraising campaign, we have reached our target – raising enough money to buy the baby grand piano that has been on hire since the spring.
The Horton’s 88 Keys Piano Fund was launched in April, appealing for music fans to donate £100 per key, so that we could give the piano a permanent home.
We are so grateful to the generous donors listed below – and others who asked to remain anonymous – who have enabled our charity to purchase such a wonderful instrument, along with adjustable stool, protective cover and moving accessories.
The campaign was given a huge boost by artists performing at four fundraising concerts who donated their fees to the Piano Fund. They are:
- Nadine André (Cavaciuti)
- Instant Sunshine
- Absolutely Opera
- Alan Thomas, Norman Macsween and Ioana Voicu-Arnautoui
A special thank you must go to Antonio Hernanadez Moreno, musical director of classical collective Alma Española who found the right piano for The Horton and helped to launch the campaign. The group will return to The Horton in April 2025 for another season of concerts and recitals celebrating Spanish music and dance.
Having such a wonderful instrument at The Horton will support our vision of being able to host exceptional artists performing a diverse programme of piano music. As well as opening doors to programming talented professional musicians who require a concert piano, securing the new instrument will also give young pianists the opportunity to perform at a higher level, in a special venue.
A celebratory piano recital will be held on Saturday 4th January, 1:30pm where the audience can experience the incredible talent of young pianist, Ruihan Wu, performing works of Schubert and Chopin. At just 10 years old, her technical skill and interpretation has mesmerised audiences across Europe.
Coming up on Thursday 12th December, visitors will be able to hear our new piano accompanying the Waldegrave Ensemble at their Classics by Candlelight Concert in The Horton’s Performance Space.
Thank you to individuals who donated piano keys:
Archibald Flashman Peter Prowse Peter Lutton
S Aslangul Michael Short Oliver Ticciati
Claire Hitch Judith Orme Mike Wood
Anthony Simmonds Elaine Sharpe Doris Campbell
Ian Watson Meg Frost Sheila Leech
Maria Jenner Jean Cangley Celia Daniell
Jennifer Waller Jill Kealey Michael Houghton
Peter Anning Rosanna Young Andrea Archer
Keith & Patricia Allardyce
Thanks also to anonymous donors and others who made contributions towards a key.
Watch and listen to some of the wonderful music performed on our piano on The Horton’s YouTube channel:
