The View from the Keys: A Fresh Grand Piano at Tankardstown House
There is a specific kind of energy you only find at a Tankardstown House drinks reception. I pulled up to the Rathkenny estate yesterday for a gig that reminded me why I love being a wedding pianist in Meath.
The “buzz” among the guests was electric from the moment I struck the first chord, but the real star of the show (aside from the couple, of course!) was a surprise waiting for me inside.
The New Centerpiece: A Spiral Staircase Grand
If you haven’t been to Tankardstown recently, they have leveled up. They’ve situated a gorgeous new grand piano right at the top of their iconic spiral staircase.
Playing in that spot is a class act. The acoustics of the hallway allow the piano to breathe, sending the music down to the guests in the drawing rooms while creating a stunning visual for anyone walking through. It is, quite simply, a joy to play.
The Setlist: From Metallica to… Baby Shark?
A great wedding reception is about reading the room, not just sticking to a script. This crowd had fantastic taste, and the requests kept me on my toes:
- The Cinematic Moment: A guest asked for “The Kiss” from Last of the Mohicans. It’s a hauntingly beautiful piece that suited the manor house atmosphere perfectly.
- The Rock Classics: I took some liberties with the new grand, moving from a soulful version of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” into the high-energy piano riffs of Toto’s “Rosanna”.
- Modern Jazz: No contemporary set is complete without “City of Stars” from La La Land—it’s become a new “standard” that feels right at home in a venue this elegant.
A Highlight for the Smallest Guest
One of my favorite moments didn’t involve a jazz standard at all. To cheer up the couple’s toddler, I broke into a piano rendition of “Baby Shark.” It’s amazing how a few simple notes can get an entire room of adults singing and smiling along. It broke the ice and kept that “buzz” going right through the afternoon.
The Finale: The Dinner Bell
Just as the dinner bell rang, I had one final request: “The Rocky Road to Dublin.” I belted it out with everything the new grand had to offer, providing a high-energy transition as the guests made their way to the Orangery.
Reflections on Tankardstown
It’s always a compliment when the guests enjoy the music, but I was particularly chuffed when the Tankardstown staff stopped to mention how much they enjoyed the playing. When the people who hear music every single weekend take the time to comment, you know the vibe is right.
Tankardstown remains one of the premier “class act” venues in Ireland, and with that new piano in place, the experience for couples is better than ever.
🎹 Planning your Tankardstown Wedding for 2027?
If you’re looking for a pianist who can pivot from Metallica to Irish trad and everything in between, let’s chat.
Next Step: I’m currently booking for 2027 and 2028 dates across Meath and Louth. DM me ‘REQUEST‘ on Instagram and tell me that one “must-play” song for your drinks reception. I’ll even send you a 30-second piano snippet of it!
