Düsseldorf's Asphalt Festival moves musical anticipation forward with the "City Pianos" initiative
In the heart of the city, two new additions have found their home - pianos installed at the Heinrich-Heine-Allee and Oberbilker Markt U-Bahn stations on Tuesday, 24th June. These city pianos are more than just decorative pieces; they're a countdown to the much-anticipated "Summer Festival of the Arts" starting in two weeks.
The city pianos offer a unique opportunity to pause, sit down at the keys, or simply listen to others play in the usually hectic bustle of the U-Bahn stations. They're an invitation for people to engage with music, adding a touch of harmony to the city's rhythm.
The "Summer Festival of the Arts" is a vibrant celebration of theatre, dance, concerts, and literature. It's an event that has been a cherished part of the city's cultural landscape for 13 years, now entering its 13th edition.
Looking back at the past, the city pianos have played host to a series of musical events during the Asphalt Festival, particularly from 2017 to 2019. The musical events were marked by a blend of art, song, and improvisation, creating uplifting and transformative experiences through vocal and piano music.
These events often highlighted innovative and expressive performances that combined classical and modern elements, emphasising emotional and spiritual connections with the audience. They were known for their improvisational and collaborative nature, often involving musicians and singers gathering around the pianos for joint sessions and impromptu concerts.
The Asphalt Festival city piano events in those years were experimental, improvisational, and musically enriching public events, consistent with the festival's ethos. While specific artist names or setlists for those three specific years may not be readily available, the general nature of the events was inventive, interdisciplinary, and emotionally resonant, with an emphasis on live improvisation and audience engagement.
For those interested in playing the city pianos, they are publicly accessible and invite people to share their musical talents. The city pianos were installed in cooperation with Rheinbahn.
The city pianos will be available until the end of the Asphalt Festival, which runs from July 8 to 27 in the state capital. So, whether you're a seasoned musician or simply a music lover, be sure to drop by and experience the magic of the city pianos at the U-Bahn stations.
During the upcoming "Summer Festival of the Arts," the city pianos at the Heinrich-Heine-Allee and Oberbilker Markt U-Bahn stations will provide an entertaining and engaging opportunity for music enthusiasts, offering a blend of traditional and modern musical experiences. As part of the Asphalt Festival from July 8 to 27, these pianos have a history of promoting improvisation and audience interaction, showcasing a mix of classical and contemporary styles.
