Piano to delight patients at Yorkshire hospital after donation from supplier to Oasis and Lewis Capaldi

The instrument, made by John Broadwood and Sons, now sits proudly in the hospital’s foyer, where it has already been played by volunteers, visitors and staff.

It has been donated by Melvin Besbrode, of Leeds based Besbrode Pianos, who have previously supplied superstars Oasis and Lewis Capaldi.

Mr Besbrode said: “I sold a piano to a friend of mine who happens to be a doctor with connections to Bradford.

“They told me the hospital was on the lookout for a new piano and, from time to time, we benevolently donate pianos to organisations which we know will benefit from its music, like the likes of St. James Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Society.

“It’s given us great pleasure to donate this piano to the Bradford Royal Infirmary and we hope its music will bring great comfort and healing to its patients, families, carers and staff.”

The hospital’s deputy chief executive, John Holden, is among staff members who have already had a go at playing on the piano.

“I learned to play when I was younger and I’ve always tinkled a bit - but I hesitate to say I’m a pianist, that would be flattering me!” he said.

“I told Melvin we’re an NHS organisation and we can’t spend patient money on a piano, but if he could help us out, we'd be forever grateful. Well, he's absolutely exceeded our expectations. It looks great. It sounds great. He delivered it, installed it. Forgive the pun, but there are no strings attached. It was a philanthropic gesture. And we are incredibly grateful.”

The hunt is on for regular players to come play for patients, Mr Holden explained.

He said: “We’re looking for volunteers who can give up a little bit of time, maybe an hour over a lunch time, maybe once a week, who can just come and play some music. It could be classical, could be contemporary, could be anything.

“We know that for many people, being in hospital can be a stressful experience and a difficult time.

“We do get patients who are sometimes able to come down off the wards and just spend a bit of time in the concourse. And so it would be lovely if for them if we could have some music, it would just help create a calming atmosphere.”

When asked what music he’d most like to hear from the new piano, Mr Holden said: “Personally, I like the Beatles - they’re easy to play and everyone recognises the tunes. But anything goes, we’re not fussy.”

Anyone who wishes to volunteer to play the piano at Bradford Royal Infirmary should contact [email protected]