Chances are that unless you’ve been out of town or just haven’t left the house in the past week, you’ve probably noticed a brightly coloured piano or two on our city’s sidewalks. Perhaps you’ve even been fortunate enough to stumble upon an impromptu concert by one of Toronto’s hidden maestros. So, what’s the story behind one of Toronto’s latest pop-up projects? Read on to find out!
Play Me, I’m Yours
Outside Koerner Hall. Image c/o The Globe and Mail.
Touring internationally since 2008, the Play Me, I’m Yours project is an art installation curated by British artist Luke Jerram. Jerram is a multi-disciplinary artist who creates sculpture, installation art, and live art works. Jerram’s overarching goal with the Play Me project is to “provoke people into engaging, activating, and claiming ownership of their urban landscape.”
Since the commission of the exhibit by the French Minister of Culture in Paris and Mayor Bloomberg of New York City, the project has travelled to 26 countries across the globe. The Toronto edition of the project was launched with a free concert at David Pecaut Square on July 10th in anticipation of the three-year countdown to the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, which Toronto will host in 2015.
The 41 pianos represent the 41 countries that will send athletes to the Games. Each country’s piano has been painted by an artist who calls the country home. While the artists were asked to reflect the culture and spirit of their home country, they were not given any overarching themes from which to work. The idea behind the Toronto exhibition is to celebrate the diversity of cultures within the Pan American sphere.
The pianos will be donated to local schools and community groups on July 31st, so consult the list of locations we recommend checking out before you miss your chance to play a tune for your city!
Some Prime Locations for Piano Scouting
At the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Image c/o The Globe and Mail.
North
Royal Ontario Museum
Condos Nearby: 1 Bedford, Exhibit, Museum House, the Prince Arthur
Yorkville Parkette on Cumberland
Condos Nearby: 18 Yorkville, 36 Hazelton, The Four Seasons, Yorkville Plaza
South
Maple Leaf Square
Condos Nearby: 300 Front, Infinity, Pinnacle, Maple Leaf Square
Toronto Music Garden
Condos Nearby: Cityplace, Pier27, Ten York, West Harbour City
East
Berczy Park
Condos Nearby: 25 The Esplanade, Backstage, The Berczy, L Tower
Distillery District
Condos Nearby: Clear Spirit, Glasshouse, Mozo, The St. James
West
TIFF Bell Lightbox
Condos Nearby: Charlie, Cinema Tower, Festival Tower, M5V
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Condos Nearby: Bohemian Embassy, DNA, Liberty Village, Minto 775 King West
After you’ve visited the pianos that appeal to you the most, we encourage you to leave your comments here, as we’d love to hear about your experience, but also to the visit the official website and leave your comments and media there as well.
Sources:
http://streetpianos.com/toronto2012/
http://www.toronto2015.org/lang/en/gallery/news/making-piano-music-on-the-streets-of-toronto.html