A SUCCESSION of international pianists have played the same Steinway when giving classical recitals.

The grand piano has featured in 40 concerts at the Sir William Turner's Almshouses at Kirkleatham, near Redcar.

But the piano's owners have put the £8,000 Steinway up for sale.

Arrangements have been made to continue using the piano in the interim, but there is no guarantee the next owners would make it available to the Almshouses.

Peter Sotheran, chairman of the trustees of the almshouses and concert organiser, said: "As owners, they are perfectly entitled to do as they wish with their piano.

"But it leaves us with a bit of a dilemma. The almshouses could hire an instrument from a dealer for each recital, but would have little say in the choice of instruments and it would depend on the instrument available in the showroom on the day.''

Mr Sotheran said: "Without the concerts, there will be no musicians and without the musicians, no more school visits.

"International artists expect an instrument of the highest quality. Without a piano of consistent and reliable quality the concert series could not continue.''

Organisers are launching an appeal to buy the piano and are applying for various grants. If the grant applications are successful, they could only be left with a shortfall of £1,200.

A new instrument of similar quality to the Steinway would cost about £40,000.

Anyone willing to help, is asked to send a cheque payable to Sir William Turner's Hospital to Peter Sotheran, 1 Sir William Turner's Court, Kirkleatham, Redcar. Subscribers will receive a discount off ticket prices for the rest of this season.