Millers backs local music with piano giveaway

Millers Music in Cambridge marked its 160th anniversary this year by donating 21 pianos – worth £50,000 in all – to community groups across the region.

More than 270 schools and other institutions applied to receive one of the pianos, and the winners have now been revealed.

St Bede’s Inter-Church School and Mayfield Primary School, both in Cambridge, Cottenham Village College, The Meadow Primary School in Balsham and Oakington CofE Primary School were among the winners.

Sunflowers Care in Cottenham, which cares for children with complex health needs, will also take delivery of a piano.

Millers Music managing director Simon Pollard said: “This overwhelming response to the giveaway only served to highlight the lack of funding for music in the curriculum and how at risk music education is for a whole generation.

“I’m pleased to support schools and musical groups, and hope the winners thoroughly enjoy their new piano and it has a positive impact on the students and community.”

The giveaway was carried out in conjunction with sister store Cookes Pianos of Norwich, follows a concert in March at which all the pianos were played in unison, performing Nocture for 21 Pianos by Richard Causton, at King’s College Chapel.