Resident donates grand piano for City Hall

City Hall will be filled with the sound of music this holiday season, thanks to an Ottawa resident’s permanent donation of a baby grand piano.

Mayor Jim Watson received the baby grand piano from Natalie MacLean during a ceremony today at Ottawa City Hall.

“On behalf of the City of Ottawa, I am pleased to accept this generous donation from Ms. Natalie MacLean,” said Mayor Watson. “This beautiful piano is not only a gift of music to the residents of Ottawa; it is also a great addition to making City Hall a people place for all seasons.”

The opportunity to receive the baby grand came at a time when the City was looking to secure a piano for the popular Holiday Piano event where, during the Christmas season, a piano is available in the lobby at City Hall for any individual or group to play.

Natalie MacLean had originally approached the National Arts Centre to see if they were interested in a piano donation. Coincidentally, she made the offer at the same time as the City was asking the National Arts Centre to assist in locating a piano.

“Where words fail, music speaks. Whenever this piano is played in City Hall, it will express my thoughts about this gift of music,” said Ms. MacLean.

Following the presentation, Ms. Jenna Richards from Chamberfest played the piano, and the Capital City Chorus performed holiday classics.

The Holiday Piano is available in the lobby at City Hall for anyone to play. Make sure to share your musical talents on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #ottpiano. The piano will be moved to the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne in January.

For more information, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1.