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.
