By Rhonda Massad
www.thesuburban.com
Following the Plateau’s model, Pierrefonds has made three public pianos available for all to enjoy. The pianos are placed at both cultural centers and Grier Park.
There will be several concerts put on throughout the summer. One of traditional Armenian music is slated for July 11, with Harout Nalbandian, a musician and owner of Pianos H. Nalbandian, an all in one piano shop in Kirkland.
According to Justine McIntyre, city councillor for Pierrefonds-Roxboro (Bois de Liesse) and trained musician, the three pianos were purchased by the city at a low price from Nalbandian.
At the unveiling at the Pierrefonds Cultural Center on June 25, McIntyre played for a crowd of more than 80 people.
“I played two pieces, Mozart, The Turkish March and a piece by Oscar Peterson. A new resident, from Naples, Italy, also played several pieces,” McIntyre told The Suburban in an interview, “Enzo De Rosa, pianist and composer, played several of his own compositions. A medley of Italian film music and a medley of Neapolitan songs.”
The decoration of the pianos was entrusted to three families of the district who participated in a local art competition. The Pienkowski family decorated the piano played at the inauguration in an aquatic theme. Painting the koi fish and birds of paradise on a background of aqua blue took two weekends to complete.
“Once we had finished playing we opened up to the audience,” McIntyre explained, “I was surprised that people came up and played. They are usually shy. People were singing. It turned into a wonderful event. This is a beautiful example of community spirit.”
The pianos are free to use, every day, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. until Sept. 1.
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