29 March is named international ‘Piano Day’

German composer and producer Nils Frahm is the man behind the global celebration called ‘Piano Day’ – held on 29th March 2017 – the 88th day of the year (gettit!?).

It’s the third year he and a group of like-minded individuals have promoted the event, which isn’t just about the music – it’s also dedicated to everything around it: performers, composers, piano builders, tuners, movers and most importantly, the listener. Frahm says: “The aim of the day is to create a platform for piano related projects in order to promote the development of musical dimensions and to continue sharing the centuries-old joy of playing piano. Piano Day welcomes all kinds of piano lovers — young and old, amateur and professional, of any musical direction – to join in this year’s festivities. It is intended to be the most joyful of all holidays!”

The first project revealed by the Piano Day team in 2015 was the building of what will be the world’s tallest piano, the Klavins M450 designed by the visionary instrument builder David Klavins. Unlike traditional concert grand pianos, which are usually built horizontally, this giant is orientated vertically. Weighing nearly a tonne and standing at 4.5m high the M450 stretches over two floors, a design that allows the strings to vibrate better.

London’s Barbican is partnering with Spotify to host two free concerts with SIX Feurich grand pianos in its Foyer space, played by the group Piano Circus. Meanwhile, Arthur Jeffes (Penguin Cafe) / Ayo Vincent, Beyries, Craig Armstrong, Douglas Dare, Jean-Michel Blais, Lucinda Chua and Neil Cowley will all be appearing at a charity concert at St. Pancras Old Church. Further concerts are being held in Glasgow and Shrewsbury.

More information and a full list of how to get involved can be found on the Piano Day website.