Every year one day is set aside to celebrate the “king of musical instruments” — the piano. The chosen day is always the 88th of the year (there being 88 keys on a conventional piano). So this year Piano Day falls on March 29th.
Piano Day is the brainchild of German pianist and composer Nils Frahm. His idea was to celebrate the instrument across the world through performances, masterclasses, lectures, etc… all manner of events.
The first Piano Day was in 2015. Since then the “festival” has gone from strength to strength. This year is its 7th anniversary. And it has enjoyed the participation of pianists, venues, promoters, organizers, manufacturers, retailers and distributors, technicians, piano enthusiasts, in fact, anyone associated with the instrument.
Why does the world need a Piano Day? For many reasons. But 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.
Nils Frahm
Last year, just as Piano Day 2020 was about to happen, the coronavirus pandemic hit. Many live events had to either be cancelled or go online. Nevertheless, the day was still a success, with worldwide participation and over 100 events.
Who would have thought we’d be in the same position a year on? So again, much of what’s happening will be live-streamed. A full list of events can be found on the Piano Day 2021 website.
Get Involved
And if you’d like to take part, send details of your event/project to the Piano Day organisers. It can be anything piano related, a special performance, a lecture, a story or poem about your piano, anything piano inspired – you don’t have to be a professional musician. And piano companies are more than welcome to contribute. Full details can be obtained from info@pianoday.org.
Celebrate the piano on May 29th. Now, more than ever, this remarkable musical instrument has become an important and inspirational part of our lives.
My great grandfather was John Broadwood of (John Broadwood & Sons) piano company starting in 1700s.
Keith: We have several Broadwood pianos in the collections of the National Music Museum, located on the campus of the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. We’d love to hear from you, if you are interested. In fact, our April Newsletter will be featuring the recent acquisition of a 1795 Broadwood grand piano–you won’t want to miss that!
I know Beethoven’s Broadwood did a tour a few years ago! YouTube did a special on it!
ciao