Ballarat is set to welcome a world-class musical treasure as the Royal South Street Society (RSSS) announces the arrival of a Schimmel Konzert Grand K195 piano, marking a major milestone in the city’s artistic legacy.
Unveiled at the launch of RSSS’s 2025 Ballarat Eisteddfod Season, this exciting development is part of a major community fundraising effort, with the piano set to be housed at the Society’s new partner venue, the Ballarat Mechanics Institute (BMI).
The initiative has been made possible through the generous support of RSSS benefactor Andrew Cochrane, in partnership with Bernie’s Music Land & Schimmel Pianos. Now, the Society is calling on the community to play their part in bringing the grand piano to Ballarat through the ‘Key to Music’ campaign.
For more than 134 years, the Royal South Street Society has provided a platform for musicians, singers, dancers, and performers to showcase their talents, launching careers on both national and international stages. The ‘Key to Music’ campaign offers an opportunity for the public to become part of this enduring legacy by sponsoring one of the piano’s 88 keys—each key representing a lasting contribution to the city’s vibrant arts community.
Once in place at BMI, the piano will be officially named the Margaret Schofield OAM Memorial Piano, honoring the memory of Andrew Cochrane’s mother, Margaret Schofield, a dedicated supporter of RSSS. It will be used for prestigious competitions including Pianoforte, Chopin, Vocal, and Aria events and will also be available for approved community hire, ensuring its impact extends beyond the Eisteddfod.
