They’re back in town and, by all accounts, members of the public are making the most of the random pianos scattered around Richmond.
For the eighth summer in a row, “Pianos On the Street” has dropped off five pianos in open air settings to encourage the public to play music in Richmond.
The Richmond Cultural Centre, Britannia Shipyards, Terra Nova Park, Cambie Community Centre and Richmond Nature Park are this year’s selected locations for the pianos.
The pianos used in the program – which aims to share the passion of music and to “inspire the community to express themselves through playing of the piano” are curated throughout the year and are, reportedly, heirloom quality.
According to the program organizers, the pianos are then carefully tuned to maintain the highest performance standards. More than 30 are on the streets right now across the Lower Mainland.
“It has been truly rewarding to see the positive impact Pianos On the Street has had on the community since 2009,” said Sean Pacey, who founded the program.
“From children, aspiring musicians, to adults and personalities, there is something magical about a beautiful public piano that really resonates with people.
“It’s definitely a wonderful thing. I have a deep love for the piano.”
As with past years, the pianos are stationed at iconic and key locations throughout the Lower Mainland.
Each piano, added Pacey, speaks to the “diversity and uniqueness of every neighbourhood, and all are artistically hand painted into public artworks by local non-profit associations.”
“We want people to really immerse themselves in the power of music and there is nothing easier than tickling those ivories and creating music for the whole neighbourhood to hear.”
Pianos On the Street continues its popular photo and video social media contest, whereby contestants share a photo and/or video of them playing the piano with hashtag #PianosOntheStreet on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with a chance to win up to $300.
A panel of judges from the Canadian music industry will select the winner.
For a complete list piano locations and for all contest information, go online to PianosOnTheStreet.com.
