For more than 134 years, the Royal South Street Society (RSSS) has nurtured generations of performers through its Ballarat Eisteddfod — providing a stage where young musicians, singers, dancers and instrumentalists have developed their craft and launched careers across Australia and beyond.
In 2025, that proud tradition entered a bold new era.
A Vision for Something Extraordinary
At the launch of the 2025 Season, RSSS unveiled an ambitious goal: to secure a world-class grand piano worthy of the extraordinary talent that graces its stages each year. The instrument would be housed at the Society’s partner venue, the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (BMI), ensuring not only competitors but the broader Ballarat music community could benefit.
What began as a dream quickly became a community movement.
Through the generosity of benefactor Andrew Cochrane — honouring the legacy of his late mother, pianist and teacher Margaret Schofield OAM — and in partnership with Bernie’s Music Land and Schimmel Pianos, the Society announced it would acquire a Schimmel Konzert Grand K195.
In a thrilling surprise at the Season Launch, it was revealed that the chosen instrument would be upgraded to the K195 Konzert Grand — placing Ballarat among the custodians of one of the finest competition grand pianos in Australia.
The ‘Key to Music’ Campaign
To bring the piano home, RSSS launched the inspiring Key to Music fundraising campaign — inviting the community to become part of the legacy by sponsoring one of the piano’s 88 keys.
Each key symbolised a tangible contribution to the future of performance excellence in Ballarat.
The campaign began in spectacular fashion at the Season Launch event. Guests enjoyed performances from current and past competitors, a moving Welcome to Country by Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Ash Skinner, and generous hospitality from local supporters. The evening’s energy reached new heights when a live auction of the piano’s prized Middle C key — conducted by Will Munro of Ray White — sparked spirited bidding and enthusiastic community support.
The successful sale of Middle C set the tone: this was more than a fundraiser. It was a shared investment in the cultural future of the region.
A Piano for Generations
Once installed at BMI, the instrument will be officially named the Margaret Schofield OAM Memorial Piano, honouring a lifelong advocate of music education and excellence.
The Schimmel K195 will serve as the centrepiece for major competitions including Pianoforte, the prestigious Chopin sections, Vocal and Aria events. Importantly, it will also be available for approved community use — ensuring its impact extends well beyond the Eisteddfod stage.
For a city with deep musical roots, the acquisition represents a remarkable cultural milestone. From the goldfields era — when piano competitions regularly drew dozens of young entrants performing the same set works — to today’s nationally recognised competition platform, the Royal South Street Society has continually evolved in its pursuit of artistic excellence.
The purchase of the Schimmel K195 Konzert Grand stands as a testament to what vision, philanthropy and community spirit can achieve together.
Through the Key to Music campaign, Ballarat has not simply purchased a piano.
It has secured a legacy — one that will resonate through concert halls, competition stages and practice rooms for decades to come.
Pictured; Margaret Schofield OAM
Pictured; Andrew Cochrane presenting the winner of 2025 Celebrating Chopin – Keng Chon (Oscar) Kwan
