by Metropol | September 17, 2025 8:33 am
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 elegant, 141 years old, and filled with stories. For generations, this grand piano has been at the heart of Christchurch’s cultural home – her voice was 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, says marketing and development manager Bianca Lindstrom. Her notes have floated like threads of memory, weaving people together.
After more than a century of faithful service, her voice is fading. Her keys are tired, her once-quick movements have slowed, and her inner workings are fragile. She doesn’t just need a tune – she needs to be lovingly restored.
Why she matters
Just as the Isaac Theatre Royal herself is affectionately known as Christchurch’s ‘grand old lady,’ this piano has stood the test of time. She survived earthquakes, wars, and the endless changing seasons of our city. She was carefully protected during the theatre’s rebuild, and now she waits patiently – still with so much more
music to give.
“The Gloucester Room, where she resides, is the beating heart of the theatre’s upstairs space. It is a haven for rehearsals, chamber concerts, intimate gatherings, and artistic creation. At the centre of it all sits this piano,” Bianca smiles.
“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?’ It’s such a simple question. Yet, it’s getting harder and harder to say yes. Because she is slipping quietly into old age.”
What restoration means
The goal?
$25,000 by 31 October
To restore this grand old lady to her former glory and let her sing again, the Isaac Theatre Royal needs to raise $25,000. This will cover a complete refurbishment of her action and hammers, restringing and voicing, careful restoration of her casework, transport, and specialist tuning.
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.
How can you help?
This piano is more than wood, strings, and ivory. She is memory, history, resilience, and grace. She is part of the Isaac Theatre Royal – one of our city’s most iconic treasures.
With your help, we can restore her voice, honour her story, and ensure she continues to support another century of music, inspiration, and joy. Every donation counts. Whether it’s the price of a coffee, a dinner out, or a larger gift, every dollar helps bring her back to life.
Donate now through the Isaac Theatre Royal website and let’s keep her song alive.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/help-restore-the-heartbeat-of-the-gloucester-room-isaac-theatre-royal/
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