At the turn of the nineteenth and into the twentieth century it was traditional for women in the middle and upper class of society to provide after dinner musical entertainment in the form of light-hearted songs or short piano works. There was no radio or television available and most homes in Australia, especially in regional areas, had a piano. Even in very remote areas, where educational institutions were almost non-existent and schooling came from governesses, musical knowledge was often still introduced. Yet, despite coming from what may today be described as geographically or socially disadvantaged backgrounds, there were a number of women who excelled in performing - ‘on the piano’- in concerts to the appreciation and awe of fellow musicians and the public.

This presentation will relate the lives and careers of specifically eight pianists, and the contribution they made to the musical and cultural life of Australia. Recordings of the pianists themselves will demonstrate their incredible skill.

Member Free | TWC Friends $10 | Non Member $15