Moments Musicaux Cruise - Bernadette Johns, mezzo-soprano & Alexandra Standing, piano

Beautiful music and an experience for every occasion in the world's most intimate concert hall

Please note that access to the boat is via a set of 12 steps from the road to the canal. There are 3 steps down into the boat after boarding, the first of which is quite steep. There is a handrail both for the canal-side steps, and the boat steps.

The Piano Boat exists to create magical experiences on the waterways, where you can escape for a while to a floating dimension in which sublime, live music drifts across you, food and drinks appear, and you glide along the canal in a purpose-built concert venue on the water with only a handful of other guests around you.

'Everything about the experience was excellent. The comfort and warmth aboard the Piano Boat, the leisurely cruise, the clarity and expression of the piano recital, the intimate setting, the sumptuous tea, and the hospitality and friendship of the hosts and fellow passengers/guests. It's almost impossible to pick a favourite amongst so much good.'
- TripAdvisor review, December 2022

The Piano Boat is host to a beautiful, new Steinway Model A grand piano, ensuring the finest musical experiences.

5.15pm - Boarding
5.30pm - Departure
9.30pm - Return and disembarkation

The music will run in short performances throughout the cruise, interspersed with canapés and drinks.

Musicians - Bernadette Johns, mezzo-soprano & Alexandra Standing, piano

“Bernadette Johns…showed a remarkable possession…capturing the insouciance of her character as well as her sense of an unalienable right to be herself. Johns’ mezzo was well focused, capable of sultry warmth and a fiery edge at the top.”
- The Guardian, 2022

Alexandra Standing has become a well-loved regular performer on board The Piano Boat and returns this summer. She has enjoyed professional répétiteur work with companies such as Waterperry Opera, Royal Academy Opera, Hampstead Garden Opera, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Alex has regularly collaborated with the BBC Singers, and made a recording of Jonathan Dove’s cycle The Passing of the Year in Maida Vale Studios. She has performed at venues including the Wigmore Hall and recently performed in Mexico with British singer Laura Wright.

Programme to include French and English songs, from composers including Poulenc, Duparc and Gershwin.

The Chef - Rhiana Tayama

A Leith's-trained chef, Rhiana does all the catering for cruises single-handedly and on board. Everything is made from scratch using fresh ingredients, and the quality of her food has been reviewed as being 'better than any of the major London hotels'.

'The boat is beautifully fitted, the tea was the best I have had in a long time (rivals Claridges or any London venue).'

Rhiana is also the owner of The Piano Boat and manages all aspects of the operations. She will be the person you speak to if you'd like to get in touch!

Meeting point

NEAR: The River Garden, Moorhall Road, Harefield, Uxbridge, UB9 6PE

Please ensure you are at the meeting point between 17:00 and 17:15. We regret that we are unable to wait for guests not arriving by the designated time.

Parking is available on the roadside (non-restricted), and you will receive full details including a map ahead of your booked cruise date. The nearest underground stations are Uxbridge and Northwood, and the nearest overground is Denham Station, then a bus or taxi can take you to the meeting point.

The Piano Boat cannot take responsibility for your vehicle or possessions, so please ensure you do not leave any valuables in the car.

Please note that access to the boat is not step-free and unfortunately is not suitable for wheelchairs.