Grand piano descends 61 metres into Bendigo mine for rare underground concert
A grand piano descends 61 metres into a Bendigo goldmine for a classical concert honouring women who found gold.
Bendigo's gold rush began in 1851 when Margaret Kennedy and Julia Farrell reportedly discovered alluvial gold in what is now Golden Square. News spread fast, and within six months the number of miners swelled from around 800 to more than 20,000.
To mark the 175th anniversary, a grand piano will be lowered 61 metres (200 feet) underground for a classical concert. Just 60 dedicated music fans will attend.
The mayor noted how remarkable it is that Bendigo was founded by women, not the usual story of husbands searching alone. At its peak, the Bendigo goldfields produced over 22 million ounces of gold, making the city one of the richest in the world and helping fund Victoria's landmark public buildings.
- 61 metres (200 feet)
- Underground concert depth
- 1851
- Year of discovery
- More than 20,000
- Miners within six months
- Over 22 million ounces
- Peak gold production
Why it mattersIt's a rare chance to celebrate hidden history, at the exact spot where Bendigo's wealth began. The story reminds people that women led the discoveries that built our cities.
