Our stunning building at 156 Armagh Street was officially opened in September 2016. Its copper-clad curves and architectural details are inspired by the shapes of a grand piano, giving our premise a musical theme which is also reflected in our name, The Piano.
Our Te Reo Maori is Pīpīwharauroa: Kui-kui whitiwhiti ora. Pīpīwharauroa means “the shining cuckoo”, which is a bird of significance for Ngāi Tūāhuriri. Not only are pīpīwharauroa known as singers, entertainers and conveyors of messages, they’re also viewed as a sign of spring and new beginnings.
About Us
Music and the arts do more than simply bring joy into peoples’ lives (although they do that in spades)! The creative industries are also essential to building strong, vibrant and prosperous communities.
At The Piano, our purpose is to enrich people’s lives by providing a world-class facility for music and the arts in Canterbury. We are a place where all people are encouraged to join in and participate, whether through performing, teaching and learning, connecting or taking in a show with friends.
From our original beginnings as The Music Centre of Christchurch to our stunning new home in the central city, we are proud to be an icon of creativity and connection in Christchurch.
At The Piano, our purpose is to enrich people’s lives by providing a world-class facility for music and the arts in Canterbury. We are a place where all people are encouraged to join in and participate, whether through performing, teaching and learning, connecting or taking in a show with friends.
From our original beginnings as The Music Centre of Christchurch to our stunning new home in the central city, we are proud to be an icon of creativity and connection in Christchurch.
Our name and place
Our Tenants
We're lucky to have some beautiful office spaces available for hire, and a wonderful bunch of current tenants.
Meet the people and teams who currently call The Piano their second home!
Meet the people and teams who currently call The Piano their second home!
Our Trustees
Andrew Hunter
Andrew holds an Engineering degree from the University of Canterbury and has worked across various technical, marketing and commercial domains. Over the course of his diverse career, he has gained a depth of strategic experience and developed an aptitude for working with people from all walks of life. A highly capable leader, Andrew ensures all voices are heard and all opinions are valued and considered.
“Music has a way of connecting with people’s physical senses and heart emotions – it’s like a window into an artist’s soul. I feel privileged to play a part in continuing the important legacy of encouraging music and the arts in a world class facility like The Piano.”
“Music has a way of connecting with people’s physical senses and heart emotions – it’s like a window into an artist’s soul. I feel privileged to play a part in continuing the important legacy of encouraging music and the arts in a world class facility like The Piano.”
Rebecca Stewart
Rebecca is a Christchurch-born qualified lawyer, with a wealth of international experience in trust management and governance. She specialises in the establishment and administration of trusts, companies and asset protection strategies, and is currently a director of Touchstone Trustees Limited. Her keen interest in music and sharp legal mind make her an immensely valuable asset to the board.
“It’s a pleasure to be part of the team that provides this wonderful facility. Creativity is what enables us to connect with a diverse range of people. I see it in my own children as they grow to love and experience music.”
“It’s a pleasure to be part of the team that provides this wonderful facility. Creativity is what enables us to connect with a diverse range of people. I see it in my own children as they grow to love and experience music.”
Tracey Tyler
Tracey is chair of the Finance Committee, bringing with her skills earned from over thirty years working as an accountant for both public practice and private companies. Her expertise in stakeholder management and investment are a welcome addition to the board, along with her eye for detail. In a private capacity, Tracey is involved in commercial property investment and has served as treasurer on a number of voluntary committees.
“My passion for the arts largely stemmed from nurturing a (now grown up) son who learned violin from age 5 to gain his Associate of the Royal Schools of Music diploma. I’m proud to contribute to a venue where local and overseas musicians can perform at the highest levels.”
“My passion for the arts largely stemmed from nurturing a (now grown up) son who learned violin from age 5 to gain his Associate of the Royal Schools of Music diploma. I’m proud to contribute to a venue where local and overseas musicians can perform at the highest levels.”
Ben Campbell
Ben Campbell is a prolific and passionate creative with sharp commercial acumen honed throughout his successful career in music, arts, property and hospitality. As a founding member of beloved Kiwi bands Zed and Atlas, Ben offers relevant industry insight including experience in artist and label management, mentorship, production and promotion.
“After years of being supported and mentored in my own personal music career, I’m excited by the opportunity to give back to our local and national arts community. I hope that by sharing my own skills and experience I can help facilitate opportunities for our amazing artists and promoters to be seen, heard and enjoyed.“
“After years of being supported and mentored in my own personal music career, I’m excited by the opportunity to give back to our local and national arts community. I hope that by sharing my own skills and experience I can help facilitate opportunities for our amazing artists and promoters to be seen, heard and enjoyed.“
John Williams
After studying music in New Zealand and abroad, John went on to spend decades holding senior positions in the institutional investment management industry. He has been a director of Smartshares Limited since 2015 and has considerable experience as an Investment Manager. His deep appreciation for music and performance combined with shrewd financial management skills make him a unique fit for The Piano.
“I wish to contribute to The Piano’s success for all stakeholders: the artists, the audiences and all who have played a part in developing this iconic arts facility. For me, it’s a strong symbol of Christchurch’s earthquake recovery, and my hope is that it will attract high quality performers for many years to come.”
“I wish to contribute to The Piano’s success for all stakeholders: the artists, the audiences and all who have played a part in developing this iconic arts facility. For me, it’s a strong symbol of Christchurch’s earthquake recovery, and my hope is that it will attract high quality performers for many years to come.”
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FAQs
Where can I park?
Bus: The Piano is a 12 minute walk from the Bus Interchange.
Bike: There are bike racks right outside the venue.
Drive: Check out Christchurch City Council’s handy map to find nearby carparks
Can anyone host an event at The Piano?
Yes, the facilities at The Piano are suitable for a range of events and activities – concerts, workshops, lectures, dance, drama, tuition, graduations, AGMS, business meetings and receptions.
What is the hire rate?
Venue hire cost is dependant on your requirements.
If I want to contact you, when are you open?
Our office is open Monday to Friday from 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Do you have a bar?
Yes, The Piano has a bar operating at most public events 45 minutes prior to start time.
The Piano offers a range of wine, beer, soft drinks and pre-packages snacks.
Do you have a hearing loop?
Yes, The Piano has hearing loop facilities
Are you wheelchair/mobility accessible?
Yes, The Piano is wheelchair accessible.
We have specific wheelchair seating. We do not have an elevator to the top of the Concert Hall. Contact us ahead of time or arrive early to ensure we have a space available for you
Are there any other restrictions?
Bicycles and animals are not permitted.