Piano hits the right note

Gifted music students at Churchlands Senior High School now have the facilities to match their talents with the opening of a $9 million music centre boasting some of the finest acoustics in WA.

Parents at the school raised $250,000 to buy a full-class Fazioli grand piano, one of only three of that size in WA.

Head of music Glenn Robinson said the Italian-made piano, considered one of the best in the world, had been recommended by well-known piano tuner and former Churchlands student Paul Tunzi.

The school flew its choral director Paul Sealey to Italy to choose the right instrument.

Mr Robinson said the school had to send the centre's floor plans and acoustic report to the factory.

"You get two days to work on them and play them and then make your selection," he said. "They were all excellent instruments, but this one had a brighter sound."

International concert pianist Alexey Yemtsov tested the piano and the centre's acoustics at a master class for Churchlands students yesterday before a concert last night to celebrate the opening of the 500-seat concert hall.

Education Minister Peter Collier said the new facilities, funded by the State Government, would inspire new students, raise the school's profile and attract gifted musicians.