David Crombie’s World Piano News ‘The World’s First Nine Octave Piano — The Big Beleura’, mentions Alan Griffiths’ World Premiere event.

The Big Beleura

The piano was delivered to its new home on 10 September 2018, and henceforth became known as The Big Beleura. A World Premiere event, with Australian/New Zealand modernist composer Alan Griffiths, took place at the house on 22 September. The foundation also owns a 102 key huon pine Stuart piano known as The Little Beleura. Both are on display to the public.

The 108 key grand piano at Beleura House

The Big Beleura is 3m long, 1.8m wide and weighs in at 644kg. The case is made from high-grade timbers including American rock maple, using bent lamination construction. Composites are incorporated into the design to increase stiffness and stability in all weather conditions. The frame is SG (spheroidal graphite) iron and weighs 250kg. The piano is veneered in sawn, ancient and figured Tasmanian huon pine.

Only one 108 key piano has so far been delivered. If you are thinking of ordering one, the price starts at AUD 310,000 (USD 225,000) plus taxes, and you could expect delivery in 2020.

Some of the above historical information originates in an excellent article written by Paul Corbin entitled “Why Extend the Range of the Piano?”. This is published on the Stuart and Sons website.