USA: Non-for-profit organization, Sing for Hope, installs record number of free pianos around New York City

Record ID: 231783

  • Title: USA: Non-for-profit organization, Sing for Hope, installs record number of free pianos around New York City
  • Date: 21st June 2011
  • Summary: CLOSE UP OF PIANO PLAYER DJORDJE NESIC HANDS PLAYING PIANO WIDE SHOT OF DJORDJE NESIC PLAYING PIANO CLOSE UP OF MUSIC CLOSE UP INSIDE OF GRAND PIANO WIDE SHOT OF NESIC PLAYING PIANO NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (JUNE 20, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3 MATERIAL) (REUTERS) WIDE SHOT OF JOHNNY YOUNG PLAYING PIANO IN TIMES SQUARE CLOSE UP OF YOUNG PLAYING PIANO PEOPLE DANCING TO YOUNG PLAYING PIANO
  • Embargoed: 6th July 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa, Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Quirky,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVA53XIHFFP1R4MZOGHPOMVEYOET
  • Story Text: For the second year in a row New York non-profit organization Sing For Hope has installed pianos around the five boroughs of New York City as a way to bring art to the people.
    Sing for Hope's Pop-Up Pianos is expected to reach over two million people during its two-week run and is the world's largest street piano installation.
    "Last year we had 60 uprights, this year we have 60 uprights plus 28 grands. So 88 because that's the number of keys on a keyboard and it's the largest street piano installation in the world to date. And the cool thing is that everyone of these amazing instruments is an individual created credited professional artwork," said co-founding director Camille Zamora.
    All of the pianos double as works of art as they have been individually designed and decorated by local artists, students and volunteers. Some of the notable designers include Kate Spade and Isaac Mizrahi.
    "All of these are pretty much, rehabbed, old, old instruments. So there come to us in pretty shaky shape - it's kind of the ultimate urban recycling project," said Zamora.
    Blind piano player Johnny Young from Brooklyn, New York had a goal to play at least four of the pop-pianos in the city. His first stop was 42nd street, in the heart of Times Square.
    "Nothing's better than playing outside. And all the sounds around you the city and the fresh air and - it's a different environment. It's really acoustically totally different too - so you got to play a little harder than you would indoors cause you don't have any reflection, the sound just goes out into the atmosphere," said Young.
    Electrical engineer Bob Garramome took time out to tickle the ivory during his lunch break near at 45th and Broadway.
    "It's pretty surreal - I mean surrounded by all these flashing lights and people - I'm use to playing just in a room by myself, but it's a little different, just got to pretend you're still home," told Reuters.
    Young San Francisco tourist, Rebecca Zumaeta was shocked to see the piano in the middle of the street, but wasn't shy about showing off her skills.
    "It was different then I usually do - I usually play in churches for other people, little concerts that I do with my teacher, but it's very different, very exciting," Zumaeta.
    So-called 'piano buddies' from local community organizations and neighborhood parks have volunteered to take care of them during their two-week installation.
    At the end of the project, the pianos will be donated by Sing for Hope to New York City schools, hospitals and community organizations served by the organization year-round.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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