Twenty four hours of non-stop piano – for some it would be torture, for others sheer bliss.
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The third annual Festival of Slow Music struck its last chord on Sunday, but was serenaded off in style with a constant stream of deep melodies from The Lost Ones Gallery on Camp Street.
Nine acclaimed pianists began proceedings at 12pm on Saturday, with a rotating shift system ensuring the music doesn’t stop until 12pm on Sunday.
The Lost Ones Gallery co-founder Stephen Pigott described the experience as different to the standard gallery exhibit.
“It's a bit of an experiment, but it's no doubt a fun one,” Mr Pigott said, adding that the real interest lies in who turned up in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“I'm not sure how it will go at 2pm or 3pm,” he laughed.
“(But) people are interested in it and they're turning up.
“It's quite relaxed, the fires are on and it's comfortable.”
Included in the line-up were renowned pianists Michael Kieran Harvey and Tony Gould.
Now in its third year and running from August 22-30, the festival reflected on the philosophy of the slow food movement but with a focus on the sensation of hearing.
The main weekend featured more than 20 concerts comprised of local, national and international acts.
The festival’s artistic director, Adam Simmons, said the event left a significant impact on Ballarat, with more than 120 performers taking to the stage across more than 10 of Ballarat’s most iconic venues.
“There has been some amazing performances from local, metro, interstate and international artists,” Mr Simmons said.
“It’s a really beautiful thing, seeing a combination of different artists coming together.
“I haven’t got the exact figures yet, but it was definitely an improvement on last year’s numbers,” he said.
Mr Simmons said attendances spiked significantly on the 2014 edition.
While it is now finding its feet as a unique event for the city, Mr Simmons said he is still trying to find a definition for slow music.
“It’s a curious festival,” he said.
“We’re trying to work out what slow music is about.
“You’re not going to see this type of stuff anywhere else.”