Over the summer, Montreal installed several public pianos across the city to allow anyone to sit down and play. Unfortunately, most of them will only be around for a few more weeks, so be sure to check them out before they’re taken under wraps for the long, harsh winter.
Outdoor pianos have been a regular Montreal summertime addition since 2012; each one is individually decorated, and anyone is invited, in fact encouraged, to play them. You can find an interactive map with all the outdoor locations, as well as links to when you can play the pianos here.
Although the following list is not complete, here are some public piano locations that you might come across during your commutes to campus or otherwise:
- Belvédère Kondiaronk, Mont Royal
- The Urban Forest (La Forêt Urbaine), Musée McCord
- Pointe-à-Callière, Old Port
- Boulevard de Maisonneuve and Rue Guy, Guy-Concordia
- Cabot Square, Atwater
In addition to a list of nearby public pianos, I have also conveniently prepared a list of well-known, yet relatively simple piano tunes to play when you do come across one:
- Pachelbel’s Canon (AKA Canon in D)
- Ballade pour Adeline
- River Flows in You
- City of Stars (La La Land original soundtrack)
- Prelude no. 1 in C Major, BWV 846
- Any other piece that you would like to play!
Those with little talent for playing the piano can also enjoy this unique Montreal summertime addition by simply listening to the pleasant piano playing of others. There are many talented musicians in Montreal who like to frequent these pianos, so make sure to stay around and hear what they have to play! Whether you’re an avid piano player or just a casual listener, the public pianos are a great way to spend these last few days of summer.
Information obtained from:
http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=5977,128115575&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
Image obtained from:
Pianos publics de Montreal Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pianospublicsdemontreal/photos/a.603738229637824.1073741829.582828415062139/1389365754408397/?type=3&theater and https://www.facebook.com/pianospublicsdemontreal/photos/a.603738229637824.1073741829.582828415062139/1123052727706369/?type=3&theater
Cover photo belongs to the author