The streets of Parramatta and Sydney's CBD will sound more joyous this January, as British artist Luke Jerram populates the streets with 30 pianos for his public piano project.

Play Me, I’m Yours grew from Luke’s observation of how we see the same people every day on our streets, around our workplaces and in our parks but rarely stop to say hello. Out of this came a plan to use music as a catalyst for strangers to talk and to connect with one another.

The idea is simple – place playable pianos in public areas and invite everyone to come, play a tune or accompany a song.

In previous cities Play Me, I’m Yours has brought hundreds of pianists out of the woodwork, encouraging people in a modest yet potent way to engage, activate and claim ownership of their city streets.

Luke Jerram previously surprised residents of Western Sydney during the 2007 Festival with an ‘orchestra’ suspended from hot-air balloons. This year’s earthbound intervention is sure to capture the imagination once again.

Check out each piano’s journey online. Upload films and photos of your street piano to streetpianos.com.au

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WHAT THE PRESS SAID

"On the eve of his 19th birthday, Marvin Forbes did something which completely shocked his mates: he sat down at the piano which had appeared overnight on the corner of Orphanage and Mason roads, and played a few bars of Offenbach ... more" - The Guardian

“The idea of an international arts festival only really works if at least some of the art engages with members of the public that wouldn’t normally step into a theatre or concert hall.” – The Drum Media

"So far, the two other places this project happened was Birmingham and Sao Paulo and lots of people came out of the woodwork and played...more" - ABC-CBS News

"This is all about putting apinao in everyday places and getting people to stop for aminute and talk with each other" - Daily Telegraph

 

 

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COMMENTS

Maai 21/12/08

This should be very interesting, but where about in the CBD or Parramatta is this event going to happen? It only says various location throughout Parramatta and Sydney CBD.

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Lucio 28/12/08

When the project goes live www.streetpianos.com.au will have a map that will show you the location of your nearest piano. enjoy X

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Joanne 28/12/08

I'm looking forward to tickling the ivories in the CBD !! Do tell me that the pianos will be locked away each night in a eg. nearby Loading Dock? so that some 'fruit cake' doesn't have opportunity to 'take one home' !!

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Cooper 31/12/08

I'm sure there will be some level of security, Joanne. I'd be more worried about them being damaged than stolen. At least stolen pianos can still be played. I'm looking forward to this program too, should be fun to hear chopsticks all round the city.

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Gayle Adams 04/01/09

What a brilliant idea. So much more fun than being in the audience watching someone else on stage but not being involved.

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Sherry 05/01/09

Can everyone play those pianos? As my daughter, 7 years of age asked me whether she can play during this time.

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Jeff S 05/01/09

Where in CBD we can find the piano to play?

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