It’s quite spectacular to experience a stranger unexpectedly sharing their musical gift in a public setting before disappearing into the ether. Seeing Coldplay live at Wembley – surely that would be the highlight of a trip to London? But no. It was the moment we arrived at St. Pancras station late at night after the concert and heard a man expertly playing a piano, randomly placed in the main throughfare, and cottoned on that it was there for anyone to play. That’s when the real magic happened. None of us ever forgot the beauty of that moment.

London is not the only place to find such magic though; in fact, here in Devon, it’s been on our streets for quite some time. In 2017, Music In Devon Initiative started a project as part of an experiment with another arts organisation called Blind Ditch, who were asked to provide pianos that could be placed outside for performers to use as part of an interactive music project. When the project ended, they decided to keep putting more pianos in public spaces and Devon Pop-Up Pianos was born. 

Much like Luke Jerram before them – the chap responsible for the project that resulted in the piano we heard at St Pancras – Devon Pop-Up Pianos kept putting pianos in public spaces across Exeter, as well as in various bakeries, cafes, pubs, and at festivals and events. Stationed in parts of the city with heavy footfall, the most surprising part of the initiative has been the sheer talent of some of the performers. Nick Hall, of Music in Devon, who runs the project, told us that there have been classical, jazz, and blues players of top quality performing on them, with all ages and abilities getting involved. 

It’s not just the opportunity to play or the snapshot of a performer’s brilliance that draws the public to the pianos, it’s the stunning artwork decorating them, courtesy of local artists and art students that grabs the eye and awakens interest. Currently, a delightfully garish Cheshire Cat piano is stationed outside Exeter Library and bringing joy to all who see and hear it.

Over the winter months, many of the pianos ‘hibernate’, going into storage or receiving some much-needed TLC after a summer spent outside, while still others are prepared for a new life on the streets of Devon, ready to emerge as soon as weather conditions and the arrival of spring allow. Devon’s streets may be silent for now, but it won’t be long before we hear the tinkling of the ivories once again.

If you would like to help with the care of the pianos, suggest a new location, or donate to the running costs of the project, contact Nick on 07550 423040 or info@musicindevon.org