Play Me I'm Yours

Sydney Festival's only 24/7 event, Play Me I'm Yours, has made quite the impression on the streets of Sydney and Parramatta. With 30 pianos located all around the city, this public piano project brings the community together and allows passersby to play a tune or appreciate the music of a fellow pianist.

Luke Jerram, the project's creator, explains to ABC reporter Alice Brennan that "each piano is carefully positioned to really try and engage the public. We've also kind of spray painted them really and this is to kind of make the piano very inviting."

Whether they travel to a specific location to play or happen to randomly stumble across a piano on the street, those who have experienced Play Me I'm Yours universally express excitement for the event. Here's what some have to say…




Centennial Park piano - Sam and Steve wrote, "We went for a jog last night and saw a courier cyclist playing on a piano sitting in amongst the trees on the grass. On our return a teenage girl and her family got out of their car and the girl, sheet music in hand, made her way to the piano. She played beautifully for her family and all of us around. What a brilliant idea."

Circular Quay piano - Adam Crowell said, "I must say that it was indeed a wonderful experience. It was great being able to play your own written piece in public and see an appreciation of music. It was even more wonderful watching others hop on and play…It has really created a great atmosphere to the city, and to show that there is life in Sydney, and that our society have an appreciation of the arts."

Glebe Library piano - Emma and Sam shared, "As you can see a lot of young children love playing the piano. It doesn't matter if you can't play, everyone hits a few keys."

Queen Victoria Building piano - Shirt and Tie said, "Most of the time I only get to play electronic keyboards, so this is great opportunity to play an actual piano."

Victoria Park Pool piano - Simon Fox exclaimed, "What a beautiful concept! Pianos for all! My daughter Meara and I are photographed here at Victoria Pool. We swam and played all afternoon and had such fun! Thanks!!"

Wayside Chapel piano - Neilhoven wrote, "I played here the other day... street was empty, but then I played... instantly people appeared everywhere... I loved being able to connect with all the people. It WAS an amazing experience!"

Wynyard Station Bus Stop piano - Teegan noted, "This is such a great idea! The piano was a lovely surprise on my quick errand out of the office. I'd also like to give a shout out to the guy playing at about 3pm today, it was beautiful!"

Wynyard Station Bus Stop piano - Patrick expressed, "I wish these pianos were a permanent fixtures, it's sad to think that so soon they will be gone from our lovely city. The looks on people's face as they walk by, stop to join in, or simply ask what's going on is something to behold. And of course, we made some new friends this day."

Victoria Park Pool piano - Wally Salinger wrote, "Every day I teach at Victoria Park Pool, and listening to the joy a simple piano brings to so many is a clear reminder of how powerful the arts are in shaping our lives, and how much poorer we are when denied access to them."

Charles Street Warf piano - Zoe exclaimed, "What a nice way to whittle away the time whilst waiting for the ferry to turn up!"

Prince Alfred Park piano - Roger said, "This was our first stop in our quest to find all the Pianos in Parramatta. We managed to attract some audience members but it wouldn't have mattered because it was such fun."

The pianos will be available in their respective locations until 31 January to all who wish to play and/or listen. For a list of each piano's location, and to read more Play Me I'm Yours comments, click here.