Sprint Race Winner
15 June 2026
The first series of the hit ABC show The Piano’ was broadcast last May, in which regular Australians are invited to play the piano at iconic public locations in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. The series explored how the piano has the power to transform lives, creating refuge, joy and friendship.
One of the participants in the 2026 season is Noel Griffith OAM (’47). A qualified engineer, he retired at age 52 to pursue his love of music. Noel worked at the School as Music Secretary in the early 1980s and spent the remainder of his working life performing recitals, and mentoring, teaching and guiding music students
In the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, Noel was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his service to music and to the community
At the age of 96, Noel was invited by the ABC to participate in The Piano. With limited vision, filming took place in both his home and at Dandenong Market. With Patricia, his wife of 72 years, by his side, Noel played Mendelssohn’s On Wings of Song.
Unfortunately, shortly after filming finished, Noel passed away, so did not see the episode in which he made his final public appearance.
The School remembers Noel as a graceful humanitarian and a wonderful Ivanarian. His son lan (’71) and grandsons Nixon (’12) and Henry (“15)
also attended the School.
The Piano (ABC) 2026 commenced on15 March. The program featuring Noel is scheduled for Episode 5..
