Friends of the Team of Pianists

An Invitation from the President of the Friends of the Team of Pianists...

The aim of the Friends is to support the Team of Pianists by directly assisting the Team, helping to promote its activities and building membership of the Friends. Members receive discounts for some Team events such as masterclasses and lectures and will be invited to join in social and educational activities organised specifically for the Friends. The Friends also coordinate 'Friends Play for Friends', a group of members who are pianists who get together informally in members' homes to perform for each other. There are opportunities to meet the Team and other performers plus regular newsletters. New members also receive a free CD featuring recitals from the biennial Australian National Piano Award in Shepparton.

To join the Friends of the Team of Pianists, please download the Fotops Membership Brochure 2023. This contains an invitation from the President, details the objectives and benefits of FOTOPS membership, has Committee contact details for further information and includes your application form and methods of payment for your membership.

Alternatively, please send an email to: friendsoftop333@gmail.com or talk to one of the committee members at a Team of Pianists event.

Committee of the Friends of the Team of Pianists:

  • Dr Deborah Jackson (President)
  • Mario Anders (Treasurer)
  • Ray Jacobs (Secretary)
  • Teri Brugman
  • Clive Jackson
  • Yani Lam
  • Barbara Pritchard
  • Vincent Tarin

FOTOPS Hammer Memorabilia Project

Fotops Hammer Memorabilia Photo 1

Individually mounted and framed hammers from the late Max Cooke's final Bösendorfer grand piano, as used by so many of his talented protégés, are available for purchase as part of a 2022 fund-raising project, to help perpetuate Max Cooke's generosity towards young pianists, with events such as the Spring Piano School. These will be on display and for sale at various recitals in the Rigg Bequest Classic Music in Historic Venues 2022 - 24 concert series.

The text in the frame reads: "This hammer, from Max Cooke's Bösendorfer grand piano, has experienced countless hours of use under the hands of a new generation of pianists, who captivate us with their performances both today and into the future".

Regular Newsletter for Members

Feel free to download some newsletters from past years:

Fotops Newsletter 38 (Nov 2019) cover page
Fotops Newsletter 38 (Nov 2019) cover page

Upcoming Events

Rigg Bequest Classic Music 2023 - 2024: Concert 4

The Hollywood Connection at Como House & Garden

Join Vivien Hamilton - mezzo-soprano, Josephine Vains - cello and Robert Chamberlain - piano for a Hollywood-inspired recital in the elegant yet intimate Ballroom at Como House and Garden. Enjoy fabulous works by André Previn, Erich Korngold, Leonard Bernstein, Nino Rota, George Gershwin, Harold Arlen (Over the Rainbow) and Australian composer Luke Severn, as you glimpse the lifestyle of the Armytage family - former occupants of this stunning National Trust mansion in South Yarra.

Seating is limited, so choose from two performances, one at 2pm, the second at 4.30pm, with interval refreshments served on the Eastern Verandah by the Friends of the Team of Pianists! Read more here...

Date and Time

Sunday April 21, 2024 at 2.00pm or at 4.30pm

The Ballroom (inside the main house)
Como House and Garden
Corner Williams Rd & Lechlade Ave
South Yarra, VIC, 3141

Book now!

Rigg Bequest Classic Music 2023 - 2024: Concert 5

Ludwig Live at Labassa!

A unique double recital in the National Trust’s lavish 19th century mansion Labassa. Experience the opulent architectural features and impressive interiors of Labassa as you enjoy the music of Beethoven (and others!) in two contrasting 40 - 45 minute recitals in one afternoon!

Soprano Judith Dodsworth, horn player Roman Ponomariov, and pianist Robert Chamberlain perform Beethoven’s Horn Sonata in F Op. 17, Beethoven’s song-cycle An die ferne Geliebte ("To the distant beloved") Op. 98, which is rarely heard with female voice, as well as trios by Schubert and Flanders & Swann (arr.) in the Music Room. While violinist Yi Wang and pianist Darryl Coote perform Beethoven’s mighty Sonata in A major, Op 47 (Kreuzer) in the Reception Room.

Each recital will be performed twice; after interval the audience will swap rooms to hear their second recital. Both rooms are at opposite corners of the ground floor, separated by doors and the entrance hall, so each audience will not be disturbed by sound from the other recital!

With strictly limited seating, our previous Rigg Bequest double-recital at Labassa sold out early, so book soon for Ludwig Live at Labassa! Read more here...

Date and Time

Sunday May 26, 2024 at 3.00pm

Labassa
2 Manor Grove
Caulfield North, VIC, 3161
(Please note: Parking in Manor Grove is prohibited)

Book now!

Rigg Bequest Classic Music 2023 - 2024: Concert 6

Great Traditions of the Piano - Murray McLachlan at Glenfern

Hear brilliant UK pianist Murray McLachlan in this stunning winter recital in the intimate Glenfern Drawing Room. His program draws from the great tradition of piano solo repertoire with works by Bach arr. Busoni, Beethoven, Debussy, Ravel, Chopin and Liszt.

One recital only with strictly limited seating, book early to ensure your place!

Read more here...

Date and Time

Sunday July 14, 2024 at 3.00pm

Glenfern
417 Inkerman St,
East St Kilda, VIC

Book now!

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