Play Me, I’m Yours — Part I
St. Lawrence Market
In 2015 Toronto will host the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. July 11 marked the three-year countdown to the opening ceremonies, and to commemorate the occasion 41 pianos, representing 41 countries, have been installed throughout the streets of Toronto. They will remain on display until July 31.
Each piano has been painted by an artist from the country it represents. Located in public parks, streets and squares, they are available for any member of the public to play and enjoy.
The project is titled Play Me, I’m Yours, and my goal is to photograph each piano at each location. So far I’ve found eight. More to come…
Note: The piano in St. Lawrence Market has been moved to inside the gazebo in St. James Park.
Berczky Park
Brookfield Place
Commerce Court
Cloud Gardens
Queen and Yonge
McGill Parkette
Cawthra Square park
See more:
I possess great compassion and seek to be of service to others. 
wonderful in many ways.
It is. I love public art.
coool!=) I liked the second art)
I can’t wait to see them all.
beautiful piano !
Pianos! There are so many!
I wish I could do this to my piano, it looks so empty.
Some paint will help!
My city did something similar a few years ago — but it resulted in most of the pianos being vandalized.
Nice, people…nice.
I wish your city better luck … and fewer unappreciative thugs. I love the sparkly piano, by the way!
Torontonians are pretty respectful with these things. They appreciate it. So far, so good.
Creating music and art on the one canvas. A stroke of genius. They look great.
I’ll be taking more photographs during the month.
Now I really wish I could play a piano.
Fantastic! We have something similar here in my city within the “Art Walk District”. Not piano’s though. Piano’s are a great idea.
They are, and it’s lovely to hear people playing music in public.
So wonderful! What a wonderful expression of art and community. I just love this idea. Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure.
Excellent idea.
It is.
We have the same thing going on in London, to celebrate the queen’s golden jubilee, but, sadly, today is the last day they’ll continue to be around.
They don’t stick around for long unfortunately.
Where do they go? So they get donated to charitable organizations?
Love these pianos. Such a creative idea. Congrats on being Freshly Pressed.
Thank you.
Reblogged this on mbuguakimani.
Wonderful Pianos♥
Thanks for sharing!!!
No problem.
Wow, really neat project…what a wonderful way to bring people together with art and music. Thanks for documenting it for all of us that are far away! Cheers!
Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment!
I got to play pianos in a similar project a few years ago ~ in front of the NY public library on fifth ave, flanked by those famous lions, and in parks all over the city. Great photos…keep ‘em com in’ .
That must have been a remarkable experience.
Love it!
Gracias.
great shots. we were just in London and they have a series of pianos around the city – great ones on the South Bank. We didn’t catch any photos so I’m so thrilled to see yours.
I’m glad I could help in my little way!
The same thing is currently going on in Paris; it’s even called “Play Me, I’m Yours,” too. Unfortuantely, none of the pianos are anywhere near where I go on a daily basis, but it’s probably a good thing that they aren’t plunked square in the middle of Place Notre Dame or in the Galleries Lafayette.
In my experience in college dorm buildings, there is a bizarre rule of the universe which states that public pianos, inevitably, will draw people who cannot play piano to them. Not all bad, though, if it inspires would-be musicians to give it a go
I’ve been lucky, most of the people playing the pianos are actually skilled. It’s been lovely to see.
piano player or not…. I still think it’s awesome when someone is inspired and encouraged to interact with art. Sure there will be moments when someone with great skill sits down and makes beautiful music- but that person who just sits down and plays chopsticks, or plinks out twinkle twinkle…. or even just feels inspired to touch the keys- that’s cool too. As a mediocre piano player myself, you’ve got me thinking though… if I’m coming to YOUR neighbourhood, perhaps I should have a piece rehearsed…?
This is great! Wish i was there to not only see in person, but to hear the music. Must make for a wonderful atmosphere!
It’s nice that people can display their talents in public. Free music!
University City in Philadelphia did a similar “public piano project” this spring: http://universitycity.org/heart-soul. It’s a great way to break down barriers and share music/talent/creativity… Great post!
Music has that ability to bring people together.
Brilliant project!!! What a great way to make plenty of peoples’ days!
I agree. Thanks for commenting — and reading!
BRILLIANT!!!
It really is.
I love the idea of celebrating two forms of art in such an interactive and community-minded way. It’s beautiful!
Totally. People seem to really like it so far.
Reblogged this on Skylark and commented:
WOW!! SO COOL!!!!
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Reblogged this on voilier LHASA and commented:
Si ce n’est pas en lien avec notre voyage, j’ai néanmoins toujours été séduite par ce genre d’expositions. Celle-ci en particulier me fait regretter d’avoir oublié mes 4 années de piano…
I saw one in London’s Borough Market yesterday. I didn’t know about them until then, and now I see your blog! I like how the world sometimes works like that.
http://streetpianos.com/london2012/pianos/borough-market/
So true.
I saw some of these while walking along the entertainment district and they are gorgeous!
They are. Thank you for commenting.
Could have taken more pics from the Brazillian one… seemed nice
lookin forward to seeing more pics from those awesome artworks there, they seem really nice ! Congrats on the Freshly Pressed o/
Thank you. It’s the 3rd time I’ve been Freshly Pressed in 6 months! I’m spoiled. I have more photos of the Brazilian one, and will post later.
We have the same thing on the west coast, but just two pianos and no fancy artwork. It was inspired by a grade 11 student’s trip to London where he played on public pianos. He has the pianos available for 9 days, starting July 14, and open to all.
Thanks for these lovely photos, it’s great to see such color.
irunibreathe.wordpress.com
Love the west coast. Thank you for commenting.
How cool! Great pictures too.
Thank you, the sun has really helped capture some great shots.
What a great idea! Love it!
I’m glad.
Gorgeous! I would love to have one of those pianos! Can you make a DIY project for the flower one?
I’m sure you could! Haha.
Brilliant idea! Wish I could go to see them — heck, maybe I will!
Do it!
Reblogged this on Featherblues53's Blog and commented:
What a great and wonderful addition to the art of the town! Enjoy.
Thanks, you too.
Love the pianos! Love that each country is included. Can’t wait for the rest
There’s more coming today!
I wish I lived someplace that did something like this.
Toronto is a special city, I love it here.
I love these! The color on all of them is astounding. Hopefully I’ll be able to visit Toronto and see these soon!
Thank you. Make it a priority!
what an ingenious idea! I love it! – rita
http://gauchomarx.wordpress.com/
I’m happy that you do!
Brilliant idea!
So much music in the air.
Reblogged this on music.
I think Chicago did something similar recently.
Most large cities have done this.
I only wish I could play the piano. These are great.
Thanks babygirl. Loving you!
I love the pianos! So much better than the moose statues we had a couple years ago. To help you out with your search, there are two pianos that I have come across. One on the main floor of Sick Kids Hospital and another one on the Northwest corner of University and Dundas.
It’s nice walking out and hearing the sound of a piano being played amongst the busy downtown traffic and concrete jungle.
Thanks, I’ve been to both locations already! I’m on it!
I absolutely love the concept! Very brilliant!
http://katieraspberry.wordpress.com/
MontrealDSL
I take all the credit!
Love the colors of the pianos… the project is rather thoughtful and personal. If I see something like that, why, I’d play! What a pleasant post…
Thank you. The colours are glorious!
They did this in Cincinnati and I loved it. I was out walking the dog along the river one day and heard piano music. I stepped around the corner and there was a young man, playing a piano just outside of the Fitton Center in Cincinnati. It was such an uplifting, pleasant surprise.
Oh that sounds so nice. It is a lovely thing to see in the city.
it’s great, I love it… amazing… at toronto all is beautiful that I think!!
Maybe not always, but summers in Toronto are very special.
On a warm evening last month, in Salt Lake City, I happened upon a public piano. A woman was playing and it was really a wonderful moment.
Sounds nice.
Simply beautiful.
It is, isn’t it?
:O)
omg, how on earth did I miss these in Toronto!!
They were unveiled on July 11. There’s still time!
Reblogged this on What's For Dinner? and commented:
If only I knew how to play the piano…and lives in Toronto.
I’ve always wanted to learn to play but I think I’m too thick.
I want to grab my blue guitar and sit by the leg playing parts of Blue Moon until someone jumps on the piano and plays with me. By the way, I got a dog today. He is a Pitt that was being mistreated. He is black with a white stripe down his chest. Your dog pic looks similar to my Rascal.
Congrats on the dog. They are the best, so loving.
so colorful! makes me wish i could play the piano
Same here.
I love this. I have seen two in London; one near the Monument and by the Thames at Old Billingsgate ; we have had a appalling summer with heavy rain but this didn’t stop the pianists!! A simply brilliant idea!
I’ve heard of the rain in London, I also used to live there: Battersea. Great thing about Londoners is they can make the best out of the weather they’re given.
I am going to write a blog about the ones I have seen and will link in your blog … thank for the prompt
Thanks, and no problem.
It’s a good project. Remind me of Neil Diamond’s ‘Play me’. I hope that there is lots of good music to hear!
There has been a lot of talented people tickling those ivories.
This is very interesting! can’t wait to see them all! will follow you to see all of them! congrats to be on freshly pressed.
I’m currently at 20! More posts to come.
Play Me I’m Yours is also in Paris!! I’ve watched some incredibly amazing people play them, and thinking who are these people and why are they so good? But they’re just random people from the streets.
It’s amazing to see how many talented people there are just walking the streets. We would never know.
Music puts magic in the air! Love this.
Music is love.
Same was done in Tel Aviv a few weeks ago. Pianos decorated all over the city for free public use. I am a big fan of street art and self expression, yet, as a pianist, it was a little difficult to see all those pianos painted and glued. Not mentioning burning in the sun, and being played and treated rather rudely by passers. If they had some spare pianos, why not simply donating them to children, or public libraries etc?
I suppose you have a point. I’ve seen many children playing the pianos in the streets, and that is rather enjoyable to see. I think the gift of music can be provided in many ways, and this is one of them.
I was watching this story being told on the news – it is simply beautiful. As a pianist, I’ve always dreamed about having a custom made piano with an artistic touch to it, something only imagined. My favorite is the El Salvador one. I hope you find all the pianos and post!
I’m half way done. Only 20 more to go.
I loved this! I visited Montreal recently and found myself gaining a greater appreciation for the Canadian city life. I haven’t visited Toronto yet, but this makes me want to go even more!
Here’s a link to a post on my trip:
http://beabovethefold.wordpress.com/2012/07/08/a-road-trip-to-a-new-city-after-dinner-on-a-thursday-night/
It was an eye-opening experience.
Montreal is a fabulous city. As is Halifax, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and of course, Toronto. I’ll read the post, thanks for sharing and commenting.
Thanks, let me know what you think. I look forward to seeing more from you.
A few years ago they did a similar thing here in Bristol Uk to celebrate the reopening of our – still crap – concert hall. I was impressed by how many good to great pianists just happened to be walking by. It is a lovely thing to make music so freely available. Great idea to have them all painted differently, I wonder if it inspired different tunes/ways of playing?
I’m not sure, but I agree that there are many skilled pianists walking around that no one has ever heard of!
Reblogged this on Under The Radar.
There’s one at Downsview Subway Station that you might want to take a picture of
I know. I just have to get there! Too north!
This is great! A great concept putting pianos out for the public, let alone having them painted excellently! I’d love to see them! Thanks for sharing!!
My pleasure, thank you for commenting.
Reblogged this on Ten Times Normal and commented:
I think that this is great! There are 41 pianos in public places around Toronto painted by different artists from different countries! If I wasn’t so far away, I’d love to see and play some of these! Made my day!
I’m glad to hear that it brought some happiness to you!
amazing..but its slowdown my internet connection..
The images are quite large, sorry!
There’s one a little bit north of Church and Wellesley, on the east side of Church in a little alley.
Yes it’s in this post here. They moved it from Cawthra Square Park to beside the 519.
Beautiful!! I love the initiative and the photographs… I wish that we had this sort of public art where I live. Cheers for art & music.
I completely agree.
Gorgeous. Kind of makes me sad I can’t play piano. Truly lovely idea. Congrats on finding 8 and being freshly pressed! I’m going to follow you.
I’ve found 21 so far!!!! Almost done.
I wish this project ran the whole year! I play those in London. I love how it transforms the mood in the city
They’re so much fun!
I would love to be able to play at one of the beautiful pianos! They are amazing. What a great Opportunity to share music!
People seem to be enjoying having them around.
This just left Salt Lake City at the end of June. I wish it had stayed for months! It was so amazing and special to have music filling the air, popping out of odd corners around the city. I wanted to post about it, but didn’t have time–glad you shared this!
I know! It’s sad that it can’t stay longer, but come July 31, it leaves Toronto. Perhaps for Argentina, or one of the other 41 countries in competition in 2015.
I just played on one of these pianos in Hollywood! It makes it so much more special knowing why it was there and what it’s a part of. Love the pictures!
Thank you, I hope you wowed the crowd!
So awesooooommmmeee!
— Lauren, LVDS
http://www.thelvds.com
True.
A colorful and life affirming account
Is this spam? I suspect.
No, not at all!
oh okay, i can never tell!
Very cool.
I know, I loves it!
Wow! These are beautiful. Thanks for letting us know about them and posting the pictures. I can’t wait to see more of them and check some out myself.
No problem, they’re fantastic.
Those are lovely pianos. The colors! So beautiful!
I painted them all myself!
These are WONDERFUL!! I want one! Thank you for capturing and sharing these lovely pianos!
You’re very welcome.
Whoa, cool designs! I want to have one as well.
Everyone does!
This reminds me of the cow statues that invaded New York City about a decade ago (and subsequently moved on to other cities as well). Right now in Madrid, Spain a bunch of penguin statues have invaded the city. Not sure why, but they’re fun to take pictures with!
Sounds cool. I love penguins.
What a neat idea. Love the pianos and thanks for sharing. Nothing like that going on in my area but we have some interesting roundabouts. I will have to take pictures and post them.
I’m glad you enjoy them.
Wow, we have some cool pianos in NYC, but none as glamorous as these!
Glamorous is kind. Most would say tacky, but I’ll go with what you said! Thanks.
Great. Two arts bonding the music and the plastic arts.
wonderful, thanks for share
No problem at all. Thank you for reading.
Reblogged this on Canadian Heritage Society and commented:
Lovely idea from Toronto…
Thanks for the reblog!
I love the 2nd to last one! Who is the artist? Can he/she come to TX and paint my black 1895 upright?! I am serious!
Check the website for artist names. I’m sure they would be able to help you out.
This is great! My goal would be to play each one. Good luck finding them all!
I’m almost done!
These photos are very cool! Thanks for sharing!!!
Trust me, it’s my pleasure.
Reblogged this on Exhibit BEE.
Great project! It’s really nice to see all those colourful piano’s, how did you get the idea of tracking them all down? That’s a really cool idea! Good luck with the rest of your project!
I just went to the website and learned where the pianos were located. Then set out by foot to photograph them. Almost done. Thanks for the support.
Well, good luck with the last of them and have a great summer!
Thank you! You too!
What a great idea! I’ve seen a few around the city (3 that you haven’t found yet, so let me know if you want hints lol). Good luck!
Thanks, I think I have them all mapped out now!
Good Evening: San Francisco did something along the same lines a few years ago with dozens of giant painted heart sculptures placed all over the city. Someone must have a photo collection of every single one. I do like Toronto’s idea even more.
I love it, so much. I’ll have to keep updated with its travels.
This should be done all over the world! Colourful piano’s and music make a brighter day..
You’re so right.
These pianos are so beautiful! I love the idea!
Wow, this is wonderful! I wish I could come and see it…
You are invited to visit my blog which is about art, food and fashion
lifestyleover40.com
Sounds good. Thanks.
Gee! Those are so cute! Hahaha, i just imagine those pianos stay on my campuss *hoping*
I have blogged today … hope you like it and my daughter is looking out for the piano in Brazil ; needle in a haystack eh? have a good day and thanks for the prompt
No problem, I’m happy you enjoyed it.
bliss~ art and music~ ahhh, my heart sings.
The best of both worlds!
Reblogged this on The Frightening World of Ying.
Thanks for the reblog, I appreciate the support.
It’s amazing – it’s like London’s ‘The Big Egg Hunt’ that they held this Easter, but far more exciting. Makes me wish I’d learnt to play when I was younger
Hope you’re still enjoying your travels. x
An egg hunt sound hilarious!
I love my city !
From Toronto? The best people in the world!
Indeed I am! We are! Best people & Best City!
How fun!! I love pianos!
Me too, I just wish I could play them.
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
There was a similar event here in Paris — pianos set up throughout the city and free for anyone to play. It has added a nice bit of sweetness in a mostly bleak start to summer!
That’s good! Thanks for commenting!
No problem, thank you for reading.
PIANO ART! How novel! It’s art in two forms; sight & sound! What a fantastic idea to personalize musical instruments!
I am pleased that you enjoy it.
This is beautiful! I believe NYC did something like this, and I found it so inspirational and beautiful. Especially as a pianist. Thank you for sharing!
Nina
Thank you for reading and commenting. Much appreciated.
Oh wow, I love this. I WANT this. Any one of the pianos would do. I just want one.
You can’t steal them! They’re nailed down.
Ahh, there goes my plan.
This is so beautiful!
I love the concept!
It is rather unique isn’t it?
I love them! There are a few dotted around here too. I think it must be a recurrent thing, because I have seen them before. So much fun to see them!
Yes the concept has been featured in many cities around the world.
It’d be interesting to know where exactly it all started! In London, we have had cows, pigs, Easter eggs, and now, phone boxes. All of it for charity. There usually are loads of people with a printed map trying to find them. It’s so funny.
It makes for an interesting weekend, trying to locate all these pianos!
Oh gosh, if I lived there I would be sitting around all day waiting for someone to play a tune. I love spontaneous outdoor music!
Luckily you wouldn’t have to wait long. There are so many hidden talents in this city.
I can’t wait to show your pictures to my daughter. She loves her piano and I love her playing!
I hope she likes them.
These are amazing! I love pianos so much I have four, and hardly any other furniture. The best thing we get in Bath in the UK are painted statues of pigs… Sums up Somerset nicely I guess!
Wow! 4 pianos! I’m envious.
Yes! I’ve seen these around. On Saturday there was a man at Queen and Spadina playing the most beautiful music…he brought his own sheet music. More fun than the moose!
Totally more fun!
What a great idea! The best we did in Chicago were painted cows.
I think everyone did those painted cows! In Toronto I believe they were moose.
I LOVE these! They are fabulous and beautiful! Thank you for the post & to WP for featuring this.
I would like to thanks WP too!
These are really lovely and charming piano. Each of it are unique and very colorful. I’d love to hear the music it plays.
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Reblogged this on Eye's Blog.
Thank you for the reblog, I really appreciate it.
wow, I have never seen such great art, then to be able to have the piano in public and be able to play it! WOW.
It’s magical for sure.
These are such cool pianos! There is a similar concept in London, although I have only seen one or two pianos in town.
I’ve been told. Good luck during the Olympics! Thanks for commenting.
Just painted my piano with chalk paint. These look awesome. Thanks for sharing!
I would love to see your piano!
Sooooo cool! Thank you for sharing your gifts! Much love.
You are awesome for responding to a few hundred comments. I love public art. Wish they could do something in Tampa.
It’s the least I can do for those who take the time to read and comment on my posts.
Oh wow! These are awesome!
You saw such different ones (in this post) to that ones I saw – here are mine http://jouljet.blogspot.com/2012/07/play-me-im-yours-toronto.html
Off to read the rest of your posts….loved these pianos!!
Thanks, it was great to see them around the city. Too bad they’re gone now.