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A Half-Century of Harmony: Sydney Opera House’s Piano Tuner Retires
For over 50 years, the Sydney Opera House has hosted a parade of musical luminaries, global leaders, and captivated visitors. From art installations featuring thousands to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s bodybuilding triumph, the iconic venue has seen significant renovations, memorable protests, and history unfold. Through it all, one individual has remained a constant: Terry Harper, the venerable Sydney Opera House piano tuner, concluding a remarkable half-century legacy of ensuring the instruments are concert-ready for world-class musicians.
The End of an Era for a Sydney Icon
Terry Harper’s journey began as a family tradition in 1973, started by his father when the Opera House first opened. This week marked the conclusion of this legacy with Terry’s retirement.
Early Memories of the Opera House
The 69-year-old recalls his first visit to the then incomplete Opera House with vivid clarity.
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- “The sails were up, but it was all very bare,” he recounted, describing the grand Concert Hall.
- “There was nothing inside… You could see out to the harbour on both sides.”
At the time, he didn’t anticipate spending a lifetime within the building. However, his father, Ron Harper, envisioned a different path. Ron, a Liverpool transplant, was a respected piano tuner and performer in Sydney’s music circles.
“He would take me to these nightclubs as a [kid] in my little school uniform. And I would be seeing all of these world-class acts,” Terry reminisced, listing names like Dame Shirley Bassey, Liza Minelli, and Cilla Black. “It was an interesting childhood,” he chuckled.
This upbringing instilled a deep appreciation for music, even though he wasn’t keen on performing.
Ironically, Terry studied piano for a year before switching to drums and school choir.
The Fateful Call-Up and a Family Legacy of Piano Tuning
In 1973, shortly after Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated the Opera House, Ron received a pivotal phone call.
“One day, the Sydney Symphony was rehearsing downstairs, and the piano hadn’t been tuned particularly well,” Terry explained. “One of the people working here knew my dad.”
Three years later, 19-year-old Terry joined his father at the Opera House after a piano tuning course. Starting with rehearsal pianos to hone his skills, he eventually took over when his father retired a decade later.
The Art and Science of Piano Tuning
Today, Terry can discern a piano’s state of tune instantly.
“I always had a very good sense of pitch,” he noted, “[but] it’s difficult to master.”
Everything is done by ear.
He explained that the piano in front of him has 243 strings, with most keys featuring three steel wires for each note.
“Once they start to deviate from the same frequency, they cause these things which we call beats, and that’s what we’re listening for when we’re tuning.”
“Can you hear this?” he asked with enthusiasm.
“It’s not like tuning a guitar,” he reassured.
The Demands of Maintaining Perfection
The tuning process can take up to 90 minutes, and each of the 30 pianos in the building requires tuning almost every time they are used.
“There’s so many strings in there that can wander out of tune, especially when you’re playing big piano concertos,” Terry elaborated.
“I refer to these as being F1 racing cars… They’re really gunning them.”
It’s a demanding, constant task.
“It doesn’t stop. And it’s night times, it’s early mornings, it’s two and three times a day,” Terry said.
However, he acknowledged the perks, including rubbing elbows with renowned musicians and having access to sought-after tickets, were considerable.
Terry has also tuned instruments at locations like the Royal Albert Hall, Abbey Road Studios, and BBC broadcast offices.
But theOpera House holds a unique place in his heart.
“For me, it’s a very happy place. It’s pretty much been my life.”
A Fond Farewell to the Sydney Opera House
Earlier this year, Terry decided to retire after five decades.
“I got quite cozy during Covid, not having to work,” he quipped.
His son chose a different path – “he’s into computer stuff, like all good young men are” – marking the end of the Harper name within the Sydney Opera House.
The Opera House is now seeking a new contractor to maintain their pianos, with rumors suggesting multiple tuners may replace him.
“I think somebody owes me some money… I’ve been doing the work of six people,” he joked.
In all seriousness, he admitted to experiencing a mix of emotions as his departure neared.
“Piano tuners, we’re fairly solitary,” he said. “We like to be in a room by ourselves with quiet, because you have to focus and listen to what you’re doing… [but] I’ve always had the camaraderie of all the people that work here.”
“I’m going to miss the place.”