Music welcomes Summer

If you’re in Paris the evening of June 21, the first day of summer, the Summer Solstice, you find yourself surrounded by music.  It’s the Fetes de la Musique -  a celebration of music and community.   Started in Paris thirty years ago night of music is now a worldwide event celebrated in over 100 countries on five continents.

In Paris the night is filled with music played by amateurs and professionals in traditional venues, on street corners, in parks, restaurants and bars. Walk to      to dinner and you may hear jazz, hip hop and even a gospel choir visiting from New York  ( http://fetedelamusique.culture.fr)

This year Fete de la Musique was not the only global musical event in the city.  Street Pianos -  Play Me I’m Yours event added to the celebration.(streetpianos.com/paris2012)

Started in in 2008 by British artist Luke Jerram. Street Pianos now appear in countries around the world.  Since its inception four years ago 600 pianos have been donated, decorated by local artists and played in cities as disparate as Salt Lake City Utah USA and Sao Paolo Brazil.  This June 21 there were 40 pianos placed around Paris in public spaces to be played by anyone who wishes to sit down and play.  Street Pianos  appeared at the same time  in New York and had been in Los Angeles earlier this year.

Anyone passing by one of the Play Me I’m Yours pianos is welcome to sit down and play.  Within blocks I heard chopstix played by children and a few minutes of Beethoven presented by an experienced pianist.  Joyful surprises of music in unexpected places.

Global connections come through music, sometimes in unexpected ways. Happy summer.