By Ian Bunting

Copyright dailyrecord

North Lanarkshire Council’s much-loved Music in the Museum series continues with a poetic evening of music and movement in Coatbridge . Internationally renowned pianist Karen MacIver and classical dancers will hold a powerful performance inspired by the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival theme: Comfort and Disturb. Taking place at Summerlee Museum on October 27, this evocative event will also mark the unveiling of a brand-new public piano, following the success of last year’s launch at Bellshill Cultural Centre. This upcycled piano, designed by Coatbridge artist Jasmine Holt, will be available for the public to play during museum opening hours, offering a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to engage with music in an open and welcoming space. The launch event promises a rich sensory experience, blending Karen MacIver’s expressive piano improvisations and compositions with the grace of classical dance, all set within the atmospheric surroundings of the museum’s exhibition hall. It’s a celebration of artistic collaboration and emotional exploration, inviting audiences to reflect on the duality of comfort and disturbance through sound and movement. Karen is a celebrated Scottish pianist and composer whose career has been deeply rooted in the world of dance. With over two decades of collaboration with Scottish Ballet and international engagements with companies like Birmingham Royal Ballet and Houston Ballet, Karen has become renowned for her ability to translate movement into music. She is a passionate educator, currently coaching young musicians in piano improvisation for dance through a unique postgraduate programme with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Her work spans theatre, film, and live performance, and her recent publication, The Art of Class, showcases her innovative approach to music for the moving image Aaron Hawthorne, arts development officer (music) responsible for the piano installation and Music in the Museum programme, shared his thoughts on the significance of the new piano. He said: “The installation of a public piano in Summerlee Museum is a beautiful step toward making music more accessible to everyone in North Lanarkshire . “Whether you’re a seasoned pianist or someone who’s never touched a key, this instrument is here for you. “It’s a space where generations can connect; grandparents playing alongside grandchildren, teenagers discovering their musical voice, or visitors simply pausing to enjoy a moment of creativity. Music belongs to us all, and this piano is a symbol of that shared ownership.” Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start at Karen’s Summerlee show; tickets are available via www.culturenl.co.uk *Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .