Isel House Fundraising Concert Series
Experience the magic of live music at Isel House this Spring. Each Wednesday at 12.30pm, the Drawing Room will come alive with performances by talented NCMA musicians, all in support of the restoration of the historic 1864 Broadwood Grand Piano.
Concert Dates:
- Wednesday 5 November – Margarita Jackson & Kyoko Takashima
- Wednesday 12 November – Kyoko Takashima
- Wednesday 19 November – Andrew Ward
- Wednesday 26 November – Zeb Wulff
- Wednesday 3 December – Louis Lucas Perry
Free, with donations encouraged. Seating is limited—arrive early to secure your spot
About the Piano Restoration
The donations will be used to restore the piano at Isel House to its former glory. The piano is a John Broadwood & Sons grand piano, built in London in 1864. It was gifted to Founders Heritage Park in 2019 and now requires specialist restoration to replace internal parts and revive its original sound.
Martin Croft, Group Manager Community Services says every donation brings us closer to reviving this historic instrument.
“Over $9,000 has been raised toward the piano restoration. To complete the restoration, including freight and transit insurance, we are aiming for a total of $22,000. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed so far.”
Former international concert pianist Colleen Rae-Gerrard says the magic of having a piano like this is how it sounds.
“If you can hear what people would have heard back in 1864, when it was built, you can appreciate its history and value.”
This initiative is supported by the City of Nelson Civic Trust, which promotes cultural and historic preservation across the city and the NCMA.
How to Donate:
If you’re unable to attend but would like to contribute to the restoration, donations can be made via bank transfer:
- Particulars: ISEL PIANO
- Code: Customer Name
- Account Name: City of Nelson Civic Trust Inc
- Account Number: 03-1354-0122798-00
For a tax receipt, please call 03 546 0247.
You can learn more about the Civic Trust’s work here.
