Piano Day 2018 is on March 29th.
This is an annual worldwide music festival with the aim of promoting, and celebrating the piano — the “king of instruments” (although some might suggest this title belongs to the organ!). It takes place on, and around, the 88th day of each year. Why 88? Because that’s the number of keys on a traditional acoustic piano of course.
Piano Day was the idea of German pianist/composer/producer Nils Frahm. It launched in 2015. When asked why the world needs a Piano Day, Frahm is reported as saying “…mostly, because it doesn’t hurt to celebrate the piano and everything around it: performers, composers, piano builders, tuners, movers and most important, the listener.”
This year Piano Day has grown even bigger, with a large number of events taking place across the globe – from Berlin to Beirut, Poland to Portugal, and Montreal to Moscow. There are concerts and recitals, lectures, demonstrations, clinics, happenings, and much more. For a full list go to the Piano Day website. You should also check out the Piano Day Facebook page for even more up-to-the-minute info.
Piano Projects
The event also promotes a number of piano related projects. These include PIANO MUSIC — players from around the world contribute their specially composed piano pieces for all to share and enjoy. The GIVE A PIANO scheme helps owners of unused instruments donate them to those who with no access to a piano.
Piano Day’s first project, back in 2015 was helping with the development of the Klavins M450, now the world’s tallest piano.
Another Klavins instrument, the Una Corda, will feature at two Piano Day events – one in Hungary, the other in Ireland. This is a 64 note, one-string-per-note, piano. It has a unique delicate, warm timbre, and is considerably more portable than a traditional acoustic instrument.
Do check out the list of events being held. Piano Day is for everyone. Please support it in any way you can.
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