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Historic Pianos

History

In 2016, Edith Cowan University received an unprecedented and historic gift – the Stewart Symonds Keyboard Instrument Collection. Painstakingly and intelligently assembled by Australian collector Dr Stewart Symonds, the collection is widely recognised as one of the most significant in the world, and is of immense cultural value.

Now preserved for posterity at ECU, the Collection comprises 140 historical keyboard instruments. It offers a wide selection of exceptionally rare – in some instances, unique – stringed keyboard instruments dating from 1736 to 1874 including an English Bentside Spinet, and breathtaking examples of Square, Grand and Cabinet Pianos.

The future

As the custodian of Australia’s preeminent public collection of rare and important pianos, ECU seeks to lead the world in historical keyboard instrument teaching and research. WAAPA will be positioned as a hub for collaboration and innovation around piano performance, education, conservation, restoration and maintenance.

We will draw musicians, music scholars, tourists, and the world’s media to connect with us, and share the ambition to create fresh and substantial economic and cultural impact in WA through a respect for the piano and its music.

Join the journey

To join the Historic Pianos journey:

  • Email development@ecu.edu.au to join the mailing list and keep informed of showcases, tours and installations.
  • Visit the Historic Pianos website to learn more about individual pianos in the Collection and its adventures to date.
  • To donate, complete the form on ECU’s online portal.
  • Or simply call us on (61 8) 6304 2761 to ask how you can be part of the Collection.

Historic Pianos Patrons

We would like to express our sincere thanks to all donors, patrons and friends of the Historic Pianos project.

Without your generosity, we would not be able to start or continue this ambitious project. On behalf of the entire ECU and WAAPA community, thank you for being part of something so special and globally significant.

  • Andrew Swift
  • Carole Grant
  • Christine Simpson Stokes AM and Dr Kerry Stokes AC, Australian Capital Equity
  • Emeritus Professor Steve Chapman CBE
  • Former Consul-General to Hong Kong and Macau, Ms Michaela Browning
  • The Feilman Foundation
  • In memory of John L. Wilson
  • John Finlay-Jones
  • John Poynton and Di Bain
  • Lotterywest
  • Mandy Loton
  • McCusker Charitable Foundation
  • Phil Thick and Paula Rogers
  • Simon Lee Foundation
  • Ungar Family Foundation
  • Voyager Wines
  • Wright Burt Foundation
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