End of an era — St James’s Church, New Barnet, to say farewell to its grand piano with three concerts given by a classical pianist

Three piano recitals are to be held at St James’s Church, New Barnet, over the coming months to celebrate the departure of a baby grand piano which has been largely unused in recent years, and which is about to be rehomed.

Classical concert pianist Lily Petrova, who is a Royal Academy of Music award winner, wants her recitals to be a fond farewell to the Danemann grand piano which the church acquired 60 years ago.

As with other churches which have adopted more contemporary styles of music, St James’s dispensed with organ music some years ago and as the piano was rarely played, the parochial church council decided to find it a new home so that it could be appreciated once again.

Lily, who is director of a London music school, the Maria Vraka Academy, is on a mission to rescue and repurpose unwanted pianos especially for the benefit of young musicians.

She hopes the baby grand will become a centre piece for community group concerts and events.

Her three piano recitals at St James’s – on Friday 6 March, Wednesday 8 April and Wednesday 6 May – are intended to raise funds for the church. (for more details see below)

Church warden Carol Connah (above, second from right) said St James’s was delighted to have found a new home for the Danemann piano which was probably acquired by the church in the 1960s but was only played very occasionally.

“As churches started adopting more modern music, we disabled our church organ 20 years ago and now it’s time for the grand piano to be rehomed.

“Lily’s concerts will be a special moment – our farewell to a piano which once must have had a very special place in the church.”

David Mulford (above, far right) – who plays a keyboard for worship music during church services – agreed that finding a new home for the grand piano marked the end of an era at St James’s.

But the parochial church council was keen for it to be put to a good use in supporting young musicians and in taking music into the community.

Recently he had also arranged the donation of a Chappell piano to the Maria Vraka Foundation – and it is now in St Mary’s Church, Hendon, being played by a young composer.

The Chappell piano was from the home in Winchmore Hill of a former relative who had died only recently at the age of 101.

“We think this piano had been in this lady’s family home for over 60 years and was probably purchased as new from Chappell’s of London.

“It was renowned for its excellent sound, and it is wonderful to think it is now helping in the career of young composer.”

Maria Vraka (far left), who established her foundation eight years ago, said the story behind the donation of the Danemann baby grand and Chappell pianos was so encouraging as there were still so many pianos which needed rescuing and repurposing.

“What happened back in the 1960s, and perhaps earlier, was that many of these pianos were just broken up and lost.

“But each instrument has an individuality of its own. They are living things and there are so many music students and young composers who are looking for experience and who need a piano for practice.

“The foundation hopes we can do our bit to reach out to the community and encourage the next generation of musicians.

“We can do that by creating hubs where there are pianos.”

Lily, who is currently studying for her master’s at the Royal Academy, said that she recognised the poignancy of the three concerts at St James’s.

“The Danemann is a very special baby grand, and it is in great condition, so it will be a real thrill to perform at the church.”

Friday 6 March, 7.30pm, St James’s Church: Classical music for piano and violin (sonatas my Mozart, Ravel and Beethoven), performed by Royal Academy of Music award winners The Azurite Duo, Lily Petrova and Takanori Okamoto.

Wednesday 8 April: Modern music for piano and guitar performed by Lily Petrova and Saurabh Shivakumar.

Wednesday 6 May: Desyatnikov – 24 preludes performed by Lily Petrova.

Booking via church office — office@stjamesnewbarnet.com

For anyone wanting to donate a piano, email lilypetrovapianist@gmail.com