The Piano Mill

The Piano Mill The Piano Mill is a unique hybrid building and mega-instrument in the forest in Willson's Downfall. Learn more here: https://www.harriganslanecolab.com.au/

Nestled in the forest at Harrigans Lane, between Stanthorpe and Tenterfield, The Piano Mill is a unique architectural feature, an homage to the musical history of outback Australia, and an outrageous musical instrument all in one. A square structure clad in copper, it's designed by architect Bruce Wolfe (former managing director of Conrad Gargett) and is purpose-built to house sixteen pianos - ei

ght at ground level and eight on the "mezzanine." The walls consist of large-scale louvers, which can be opened and shut to alter the Mill's acoustic. Sixteen pianos were sourced from the Brisbane, Stanthorpe and Toowoomba areas, twelve of them already collected. Many are quite serviceable, and even reasonably in tune, while a few are more dilapidated, with wonky keys and bung notes. Wolfe's concept is that the pianos be kept in the original, "found" state, to evoke the weathered sound of the outback. To launch The Piano Mill, composer Erik Griswold (Clocked Out) created a new concert-length work, exploring the unprecedented sound potential of this new mega-instrument. Incorporating mass sound textures, nature-inspired soundscapes, and bits of nostalgic Australiana, Griswold extends his large body of piano and environmental works to new frontiers. On Easter 2016, 16 pianists from the local area, interstate, and overseas, were invited to help bring to life this one-of-a-kind, living slice of Australian musical history. Interarts Easter events continue to be a focus of the Mill’s performance schedule.

Our Spring Concert Series is coming!First up on October 3:Helcarax is the experimental music duo of Alex Raineri (keyboa...
04/08/2026

Our Spring Concert Series is coming!

First up on October 3:
Helcarax is the experimental music duo of Alex Raineri (keyboard) and Finn Idris (violins). Weaving immersive live electronics through their original compositions, Alex and Finn will draw you into a rich tapestry of sound, coming from many inspiration sources. Their friendship stretches back to when they were kids playing in chamber ensembles together. In this project, they have reconnected “sparked by a shared curiosity for performer-composer potential”.

This concert is a development of the work originally created in the Blue Mountains during their Mount Wilson Artist Residency in 2025. They describe Helcarax as a collaborative composition that brings together the disparate dimensions of both of their diverse careers.

Reshaped for this performance in our intimate concert hall setting, you will find it intriguing.

About the Artists
Alex Raineri is the recipient of this year’s state and territory Luminary award for Queensland in the Australian APRA-AMCOS Art Music awards. The award is for his work as an extraordinary musician, director, and creator, and for providing performance and creative opportunities through the Brisbane Music Festival.

Alex has been a regular performer at our Piano Mill events and we are thrilled that this award recognises his contribution to Australia’s Art Music community.

Alex is joined by Finn Idris composer, sound engineer, performance artist, and violinist. With a unique blend of classical training and contemporary production techniques, Finn will delight your ears!

What can you expect? See for yourself on OCTOBER 3!

Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/helcarax

We promised more and you are not going to be disappointed!Coming on August 22: CRUMB’S LYRE with Sonya Lifschitz & Chris...
02/07/2026

We promised more and you are not going to be disappointed!

Coming on August 22: CRUMB’S LYRE with Sonya Lifschitz & Christine Johnston

In this critically acclaimed reimagining of George Crumb’s groundbreaking Makrokosmos, Book 1, piano maverick and virtuoso Sonya Lifschitz is joined by performance artist Christine Johnston (The Kransky Sisters) as Madame Lark to unleash their duelling scores. Part cabaret, part recital, this audacious reinterpretation places Crumb’s zodiac-inspired fantasy pieces amidst the sounds of the Antipodes. As Sonya conjures mythical, primordial sounds from inside the piano, Madame Lark performs with her musical saw and overhead projector. Together, they bring George Crumb’s masterwork to life in an intriguingly whimsical and altogether unexpected way.

Artists
Sonya Lifschitz, piano
Christine Johnston, vocals/musical saw/ overhead projector
Max Lee, poetry

★★★★ ½ “Brilliant performance... wildly funny." Limelight

🎟️ Bookings https://events.humanitix.com/crumb-s-lyre

24/06/2026

New ideas emerged out of the creative development weekend. So exciting!
But all these possibilities require new ideas about funding. Sad but true.

10 years since the Mill was launched! Who would have thought it would go on to win the National Experimental Art Music A...
29/03/2026

10 years since the Mill was launched! Who would have thought it would go on to win the National Experimental Art Music Award in 2017 and then the World Architecture Festival Award for Cultural Buildings in 2018. Proud moments!

It’s been an absolute joy to be embraced by such a strong and star-studded community of pianists, composers, artists, supporting musicians, along with loyal and enthusiastic audiences to share in the experience. So many Easters spent here creating, making — come rain, hail or shine.

New ideas are afoot so keep your ear to the ground and enjoy a safe and sound Autumn holiday 🍂

Projections on the Piano Mill.

22/03/2026

LIIT was LIVE in LAGAVULIN on MARCH 21.
Super concert! Sorry if you missed it!

18/03/2026
Countdown!
14/03/2026

Countdown!

An improvising trio from Melbourne blending contemporary jazz and electronic music, LIIT shape each performance in the moment.

On March 21, LIIT perform in Lagavulin at the Piano Mill, wrapping up a creative residency with the Harrigans Lane CoLab...
08/03/2026

On March 21, LIIT perform in Lagavulin at the Piano Mill, wrapping up a creative residency with the Harrigans Lane CoLab artist residency program.

If you’re curious about where jazz can go inspired by landscape, with lush electronic textures and masterful improvisation — LIIT is a name to remember. Three musicians listening deeply and creating in real time.

Think forest scenes. The smell of eucalypt. Big skies. Mountain air. The kind of landscape that makes you want to lean in and listen a little closer.

Countdown two weeks!
Grab a seat!

Booking link 🔗

https://events.humanitix.com/liit-live-jazz-or-electronics-or-improv

Happy Sunday from LIIT! Melbourne improvising trio LIIT —Lawrence Folvig (guitar/electronics), Niran Dasika (trumpet/ele...
28/02/2026

Happy Sunday from LIIT!

Melbourne improvising trio LIIT —Lawrence Folvig (guitar/electronics), Niran Dasika (trumpet/electronics) and Kyrie Anderson (drums) — join us for the first show in our intimate Lagavulin Concert Series 2026.

MARCH 21!

Don’t keep them waiting! Grab your tix!

https://events.humanitix.com/liit-live-jazz-or-electronics-or-improv

Address

323 Harrigans Lane
Tenterfield, NSW
2372

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