Grand Connections: The Grand Final

🎵 Join us for the very first Grand Connections Grand Final, an evening celebrating music, stories, talent and connection within the University of Newcastle community. 

Following two lunchtime heats at Local Connections, our selected finalists will return to the piano for one final performance, sharing not only their music but the stories and connections behind the pieces they have chosen. 

Inspired by ABC’s The Piano, Grand Connections celebrates more than technical ability. It is about the songs that stay with us, the reasons we play them and the way music can bring a room full of people together. 

For the Grand Final, we’re making a night of it. 

Your evening includes:  

• A glass of local wine on arrival and canapes

• A Main

• Dessert

• Live Performances from our Grand Connections Finalists 

• The stories behind the music  

• Connection with collegues, friends, or event make some new ones 

Settle into our beautiful onsite restaurant Local Connections, enjoy dinner and spend the evening discovering some of the musical talent across our University community. 

Our finalists will each take their place at the piano and share a little about themselves, their connection with music and why their chosen piece matters to them before performing live. 

At the end of the evening, one performer will be named the inaugural Grand Connections winner and receive the $1,000 Grand Connections Prize. 

Event details: 

📆 Date: Thursday 8 October 2026 

📍 Location: Local Connections, Callaghan Campus 

🎟️ Registration: Ticketed event 

💲Cost: $55.00 per ticket

🕟 Time: 5.30pm arrival for a 6.00pm start, conclude around 9.00pm (a run sheet will be sent our a few days prior to those who register)

🎶 Come for the music. Stay for the stories. 

🎹 Whether you joined us for the heats, know one of our performers or simply love live music and good food, we’d love you to be part of the first Grand Connections Grand Final. 

🪑 Take a seat, enjoy the evening and hear the stories behind the keys.