Hamilton stop for giant piano

Adrian Mann plays the piano he built which is the longest in the world. The piano will be in Hamilton from tomorrow.

The world's longest piano is coming to Hamilton.

The 5.7m long Alexander grand piano will be making its first appearance in Hamilton this month as part of a North Island visit and the public will have the opportunity to 'have a go' in a series of lunchtime and weekend performances.

The piano's creator, Adrian Mann, began the project in a South Canterbury barn when he was just 15. Using borrowed tools and reclaimed materials, he completed it over four years and now regularly hosts talks and concerts in the barn on the outskirts of Timaru.

This is the first time the piano has been out of the South Island and Mr Mann, 25, says he is looking forward to sharing it with a wider audience.

The logistics of moving the 1.4 tonne piano is daunting but Mr Mann says the Timaru branch of Mainfreight have worked hard to get a smooth operation. It will be in Auckland for a month and while it's so close, it's a great opportunity to bring it to Hamilton as well, he said.

The visit is being supported by Cate Prestidge from Wintec's School of Media Arts and staff from Creative Waikato and the museum.

"It is important that the Waikato community have access to the piano while it's in Hamilton," Ms Prestidge said. "It's a bit like a supersized version of the street piano project and it's great that Adrian is open to people playing it."

Creative Waikato will host the piano in their Alexandra St premises from October 7-20.

Organisers are keen to hear from any local pianists, young and old, who would like to play the Alexander in the informal lunchtime performances. Experienced pianists are also invited to participate in a weekend concert. All musical styles and are welcome and special events for kids are being planned. Mr Mann will also host workshops about the building of the Alexander.

To register your interest in playing the piano, email cate.prestidge@wintec.ac.nz.