ZOE REISS
How can someone honour their musically gifted mother who passed away? A donation to the Theatre Royal Nelson.
Theatre Royal Nelson has been one of the few theatres around the country without a grand piano, but now, thanks to a generous donation, that is no longer the case.
Dr. Prue Baxter has contributed a high-quality Schimmel grand piano in memory of her late mother, Gwenyth Logan.
Gwenyth was a child prodigy, concert pianist and polymath. At age 14, she played Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, first movement, with the National Orchestra of the NZBS, the predecessor of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
She studied under Madam Lili Kraus at the Nelson School of Music, now known as the Nelson Centre of Music and Arts, and later worked as a music critic, teachers college lecturer and inspector of schools. She retired to Nelson 20 years ago and passed away earlier this year.
“This gift is truly transformative for us,” says theatre manager Eliane Polack. “Having an acoustic grand piano opens up new opportunities for concerts, collaborations and touring artists.
“We will reach out to artists who need an acoustic grand piano, for instance for jazz or cabaret shows.
“There are also school and choir performances that could use the grand piano,” she adds.
The Schimmel grand also tells a special story. It belonged to the late Philippa (Pippa) Ward, who was a distinguished pianist, répétiteur, music teacher, and adjudicator.
When Pippa’s daughter, Jennifer Ward-Lealand Te Atamira, learned that the theatre did not have a piano, she offered her late mother’s piano at a very good price.
“This is such a wonderful story of connection,” says Judene Edgar, chair of the Theatre Royal Nelson.
“It’s about two daughters honouring their mothers in a way that will keep their passion for music alive. The piano isn’t just an instrument — it’s a legacy that will bring music, joy and inspiration to our community for years to come.”
