Bourne, based in Leeds, needs eight of them for a performance and exhibition commissioned by Arts Council England's Contemporary Music Network which will be premiered in Leeds and London early next year.

He confesses to being fascinated by the lives of instruments that were once a social focal point, from the pub Joanna to the parlour pianola and the chapel upright.

"They might be falling apart, out of tune, burned, battered and banished but they all have a story to tell," says Matthew.

"Just when they might be relegated to the rubbish dump I want to save them. The more beaten up they are the better. "

Bourne will spend most of September scouring Yorkshire for old pianos with a history. The 2001 Perrier Young Jazz Musician of the Year will write a new piece of music inspired by them and they will be on stage at the premieres in the New Year.

One of the most recent examples of his offbeat approach was a tribute to Glenn Miller which included Enid Blyton readings and Chattanooga Choo Choo as it might have been sung by Elvis Presley.