Following months of work and fundraising by UMCM, St John the Baptist Church and others the day finally came, Saturday June 23rd. Courtney Pianos have done incredible work in restoring the wonderful 1878 Bechstein piano and have brought out its beauty while preserving its antiquity. In the first concert since the restoration we were treated to an astonishing and breathtaking performance by Varvara Maggs of music by Liszt, Haydn, Prokofieff and an encore of short pieces by Tchaikowsky.

The event was attended by many dignitaries and guests including the Bishop of Ebbsfleet, the Mayor of Coventry, Coventry’s Lady Godiva, local councillors, and guests from Coventry Cathedral and other churches.

Afterwards there were refreshments prepared by church members with German wine generously donated by Phipps.

We would like to thank everyone involved for a very special evening.