Another epic journey for six historic pianos
In 1788, a square piano made by Frederick Beck, a piano maker in London (UK), became the first keyboard instrument to arrive in Australia. The "First Fleet Piano" was transported on board a ship that took eight months to travel from Portsmouth (UK) to Sydney via Rio de Janeiro Brazil) and Cape Town (South Africa).
Fast forward 231 years, its return journey lasted a mere 21 hours from Perth (Australia) to London through Dubai (UAE), thanks to Emirates Skycargo. It was joined by five other rare musical instruments packed in specially crafted insulated flight cases with sensors to track temperature and movement. Today, 26 March 2019, they are showcased in a bespoke salon performance at the Australia House.
The first piano will then undergo restoration work before returning to the Western Australian academy of performing arts in Perth. (ah)