The ABC is striking an emotional chord with its latest original series “The Piano,” a feel-good celebration of music, community, and untapped talent set to premiere on Sunday, May 4th at 7.30pm on ABC TV.
All six episodes will be available to stream on ABC iview the same day — perfectly timed to coincide with World Piano Day.
Hosted by beloved Australian TV and radio presenter Amanda Keller, “The Piano” is a unique, six-part arts series that blends real-life storytelling with surprise mentorship, showcasing everyday Australians and the life-affirming power of music.
Filmed across a range of public locations — from bustling train stations to busy shopping centres — the show invites Australians of all ages and backgrounds to sit at a piano and share a piece of themselves through music. What starts as spontaneous performance art quickly reveals deeper layers, as pianists recount the personal stories behind their chosen songs and their lifelong connection to the instrument.
But there’s a twist: what the performers don’t know is that they’re being secretly watched by two world-class musicians — legendary American entertainer Harry Connick Jr. and celebrated Australian concert pianist Andrea Lam. Observing from a hidden vantage point at each location, the pair carefully select one standout performer to receive direct mentorship, guiding them towards a major opportunity — a performance at Sydney’s iconic City Recital Hall.
The performances span an eclectic range of styles, from classical favourites like Bach and Beethoven to contemporary covers of INXS, Elton John, and Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”. In each episode, “The Piano” captures not just musical skill but raw emotion, as players reveal how the instrument has helped them through grief, anxiety, isolation, or major life transitions.
In addition to the televised series, “The Piano” is sparking a grassroots musical movement. In partnership with national arts organisation Piano Plus, the ABC is donating pop-up pianos to up to 20 regional and rural towns across Australia, bringing music to communities that may not have easy access to instruments or arts programming. Locals are encouraged to nominate their town via the ABC website before April 20. Winning communities will be announced at the Classic 100 in Concert on June 21st.
The Piano premieres Sunday, May 4th at 7.30pm on ABC TV, with all episodes available to stream on ABC iview.