The global, annual festival Piano Day, founded by Nils Frahm, returns for its third edition in 2017. As with previous years, the festival takes place on the 88th day of the year due to the number of keys on the instrument being celebrated - this year on 29 March.

With over 30 events worldwide, the 2017 Piano Day is the biggest celebration yet. London's Piano Day celebrations include a special event at the Barbican, in partnership with Spotify, with six beautiful grand pianos from Austrian piano manufacturers Feurich adorning the foyer of the Barbican, and one of the world's leading contemporary music ensembles, Piano Circus (six pianists), performing two free concerts in the Barbican foyers (1pm & 6pm). The repertoire will feature a world-premiere piece for six pianos by composer Angus MacRae; Nils Frahm’s Hammers, Steve Reich’s Six Pianos; David Lang’s Face So Pale; Max Richter’s Mazuzu Dream and Graham Fitkin’s Log. 

Piano Day was founded in 2015 and rapidly spread across international music communities, growing year on year. It aims to raise the profile of the piano globally, inspiring more piano players of all ages and abilities worldwide, as well as promoting piano playing in public spaces.

Piano Day founder Nils Frahm said: Why does the world need a Piano Day? For many reasons. But mostly, because it doesn’t hurt to celebrate the piano and everything around it: performers, composers, piano builders, tuners, movers and most important, the listener.

Curated by Manners McDade, with the Barbican Centre, in partnership with Spotify. With thanks to Feurich Pianos & Carsten Schulz, Piano Circus and Angus MacRae. 

Wednesday 29 March 2017 / Barbican foyers / 1pm & 6pm

FREE

Find out more: http://www.barbican.org.uk/music/event-detail.asp?ID=21079