With alterations well underway in the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre - SHMPAC, the destiny of four grand pianos has been decided.

One, a Bösendorfer grand piano, due for restoration, has been gifted to John Paul College in Rotorua.

Of the remaining three grand pianos, two have been temporarily relocated to other venues for the duration of the centre's closure.

One Yamaha is in use for chamber concert music in the Matariki Room at the Novotel, and the second Yamaha has been loaned to the Rotorua Hospital chapel.

A fourth, the Kawai, remains at the SHMPAC in its specially constructed protective, environment-controlled box.

Much of the equipment within the centre is now either in storage, for re-use when the strengthened and redeveloped centre re-opens in 2021, or has been gifted to a range of community organisations around Rotorua, including schools, marae and community centres.

Local firm Burtons had to remove all equipment at short notice, including three of the four grand pianos.

The Bösendorfer has been gifted to John Paul College for use in their new performing arts facility, scheduled to open next year. Austrian made, the Bösendorfer was bought second hand in the 1930s.

It has a long history of performance in Rotorua and has been played by a number of internationally renowned concert pianists, including Michael Houston.

Bösendorfer is a leading name in pianos worldwide, and their instruments are characterised by a tone which is described as rich, singing and sustaining. When Ignaz Bösendorfer started the company back in 1828 in Vienna, Franz Liszt, a young virtuoso, was renowned for ruining pianos with his passionate performances. Following the advice of friends, Liszt chose a Bösendorfer Grand for one of his concerts and, having withstood his powerful performance, Bösendorfer pianos became famous overnight.

Lyall Thurston. Photo, supplied

College Board of Trustees Chairperson Lyall Thurston says the council wanted to find a safe and secure new home for the piano, where it can continue to be available for community access.

'The school's new performing arts centre is due to open in 2020 and we are committed to it being available as a community facility, beyond the requirements of the school,” says Lyall.

'This is a very special piano and it is critical that it remains in Rotorua, now and for future generations.

'The piano does require some restoration work, but once it is performance ready it will be available for musical events such as recitals and music examinations.”

Reconditioning includes replacing the strings and repairing some sulphur damage. Funds will be sought to cover repair work.

John Paul College music teacher Matt Czyrek says the timing of the gift is perfect.

'With the music and drama areas of the school's performing arts centre now complete, the last stage is the new black box theatre which we will be opening towards the end of 2020, and that's where the piano will have its new home.”

Rotorua Lakes Council's Performing Arts Director Cian Elyse White says she is pleased that the piano is going to continue its rich life beyond the SHMPAC.

'It is our pleasure to see the piano move into its new home at John Paul College; it's only fitting that it be gifted to Rangatahi to assist in growing local talent.”