Prelude: A Concise History of Stringed Keyboard Instruments

Prelude takes a ‘very quick look’ at the slow development of modern stringed instruments since the first piano was made by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy during the 1770s. The exhibition refers to and celebrates the early instruments that were the prelude to the current instruments we know as the piano.

Take a closer look into the magic of some of the earliest keyboards ever made; instruments from as far back as the 1700s will be on display here for the very first time.The exhibition features a series of early music performances to give a first-hand experience of the sounds from the Baroque period, played by some of the country’s most famous early musicians.

Image: The Music Lesson (Lady at the virginal with gentleman), 1662-1665, oil on canvas, Royal collection, St James’s Palace, London.

Free entry.

Prelude events

The New Zealand Chamber Soloists, Friday 4 April  - concert

A History of Instrument-making, Friday 4 April - floor talk with Mark Mcdonald

Waikato Baroque Tuesday 29 April - concert

The Literary Age - Lieder and Art Song - Friday 16 May - concert

Early Instruments Friday 16 May - demonstration by Mark McDonald

Other music events

The Balanae Trio - Sunday Sounds at the Museum, Sunday 6 April

Musical Feast -  students from the University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music 10 and 17 April, 1 and 15 May, 12 and 26 June