Moments Musicaux Cruise - Joanna Garcia, piano

A luxurious afternoon tea cruise with a spectacular piano recital aboard The Piano Boat 'Rachmaninov'.

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 favorite amongst so much good.'
- philipbR2912IB on TripAdvisor, December 2022

The Piano Boat is host to a brand-new Steinway Model A grand piano, ensuring you always the finest musical experience.

We only take 10 guests each cruise, so you will never feel over-crowded. 

12:45    |   Boarding
13:00   |   Departure
17:00   |   Return and disembarkation

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

Musician - Joanna Garcia, piano

Joanna Garcia graduated from Manchester University with First Class Bachelor of Music degree. She was awarded three Hargreaves Music Prizes and the Sir Thomas Beecham award for outstanding achievement. She continued her studies at the RNCM with Paul Janes and Renna Kellaway, obtaining the Professional Performance Diploma and a Postgraduate Diploma and winning the Granada Chamber Music Award, the Song Cycle Accompanist’s Prize, and an English-Speaking-Union scholarship to study in France.

Following her studies, Joanna was offered a two-year Junior Fellowship in Accompanying at the RNCM, and was subsequently appointed as Assistant Staff Tutor in Accompaniment. She also worked as Staff Accompanist at Chetham’s, and taught piano at Manchester University.

Joanna has performed with eminent musicians such as Sir John Tomlinson on the South Bank Show, had a long-standing duo partnership with viola player Robin Ireland, has performed recitals in Buenos Aires, and performed with the Lindsay Quartet.

Joanna has an interest in working with advanced adult students and piano teachers and is sought after to help musicians who are striving to overcome performance anxieties. Joanna is also anadjudicator, a leader of masterclasses and online workshops, and a freelance staff pianist at the RNCM.

Joanna has a following of almost 17k on TikTok and 13k on Facebook, where she shares characteristically upbeat posts and videos about pedagogy, pianism and imposter syndrome. She is a Principal Tutor on the Piano Teachers’ Course, UK.

Programme:

TANGO NIGHTS: FIRE AND REFLECTION FROM ARGENTINA

An immersive evening of piano music capturing the soul of Argentina. From the smoky intensity of Astor Piazzolla to the poetic warmth of Carlos Guastavino, and the driving gaucho rhythms of Alberto Ginastera, discover a world of dance, longing and passion.

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...' - Tripadvisor review

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 12:30 and 12:45. 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, then a bus or taxi will 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.