At the top of the grand staircase, in the intimate embrace of the Gloucester Room at the Isaac Theatre Royal, rests a remarkable old lady. She is 143 years old, elegant, a little weary, and full of stories. Our grand piano has been through generations – her voice once bright and clear, her presence a comfort and inspiration to artists, dreamers, and music-lovers alike. 

She has whispered through weddings, lifted the voices of choirs, carried the weight of rehearsals, and offered quiet companionship to those seeking inspiration. Her notes have floated in the air like threads of memory, weaving people together. But after more than a century of faithful service, her voice is fading. Her keys have grown tired, her once-quick movements now slowed, her inner workings fragile. She doesn’t just need a tune – she needs to be lovingly restored. 

Just like our Theatre herself – the grand old lady of Christchurch – this piano has stood the test of time. She has lived through earthquakes, through wars, through the endless changing seasons of our city. She was carefully protected when the Isaac Theatre Royal was rebuilt, and now she waits patiently, still with so much more music to give. 

Now it is our turn to look after her. 

The Gloucester Room is the beating heart of our upstairs space – a haven for rehearsals, chamber concerts, intimate gatherings, and artistic creation. And at the centre of it all is this beautiful piano. 

When visiting artists arrive, when local composers or singer-songwriters step into the room, their eyes go straight to her: 
“Can I play the piano?” they ask. 

It’s such a simple question. And yet, it’s getting harder and harder for us to say yes. Because she is slipping quietly into old age. 

Restoring her means: 

• Rehearsals and concerts can once again flourish in the Gloucester Room and on our stage 

• Our young and emerging talent will have a world-class instrument to learn, grow, and dream upon 
• Visiting artists can prepare for their performances right here, at the heart of Canterbury’s cultural home 
• Most of all – her story continues. Her voice continues. She continues to live. 

To restore her to her former glory, to let her sing again, we need to raise $25,000. This will cover: 

• A complete internal refurbishment of her action and hammers 

• Restringing and voicing 

• Careful restoration of her casework 

• Transport and specialist tuning 

And here’s the wonderful part: if we can raise the funds now, she will be ready to play again for the New Year – her voice renewed, her music ringing in 2026.