At the beginning of the summer holidays I was walking done Carnaby Street in London, when I saw a large crowd gathering around someone who was playing the piano really well. I have walked down this street many times before, am Im sure I would have noticed the 60's-style psychedelically swirly painted piano.
As I drew further into the crowd I noticed written on the Piano 'Play me Im Yours'. This made me think that these instruments had been placed there for us the public to utilise and enjoy. Hopefully the only confident enough to take a seat infront of the keyboard, would be someone who could bring a tune to the ears. When returning home I wanted to know why this piano had be placed there and if there were any more in and around London.
An assortment of 31 keyboards have been placed around some of London's landmarks, waiting for inspired music to be played. This 3 week long project is running from the end of June till 14 July and is backed by Mayor Boris Johnson. It has been produced and promoted by a non-profit organisation Sing London and City of London Festival, the idea originating from artist Luke Jerram (whose pianos have been appearing in public places all over the world since 2008).
The pianos will now be owned by the people of London and are there for them to take ownership of their urban environment. Each has been painted and decorated to suit its surroundings. For example pound signs for the instrument outside the Bank of England and one placed on Portobello Road market will feature fruit and veg. To keep the music tuneful, each day a tuner will travel to all the sites to maintain the up keep of the pianos For extra security, each piano is chained/locked to the nearest bench or billboard.
Hopefully the public's music responsibility and sense of good spirit, will keep these pianos in good condition. The project also puts trust into the public to protect and cover the piano and its given songbook when it rains. These pianos can not just be used for impromptu performances, 'round the piano' events and also are available to be booked to help promote an event or show.
Personally I am a big fan of this art project, as I feel it gives the city a sense of public/community spirit and a singsong can also brighten up a dull,gloomy,rainy day. Its not often you can bring a big group of complete strangers together in the street and get them all singing and smiling.. Participation art, I think is a great idea.
Here are some video examples of 'round the piano' events and members of the public getting up and giving it a go on the keyboard:
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