The Town of Rosemère has officially entered the worldwide street piano initiative with the inauguration of its own piano outside the municipal library. For Mayor Madeleine Leduc, this addition is consistent with her administration’s commitments as well as the guiding principles of the Town’s Cultural Policy.   

"The Town of Rosemère continues to stand out in the region by virtue of its innovations, this time by making a piano available to the public. The street piano is a phenomenon that has taken off around the world, including Montréal and Québec City, but we are the first on the North Shore to fall into step with it,” stated Mrs. Leduc. 

She explained that a few months ago, a citizen had made it known that a member of her family wished to dispose of a piano. "We took the opportunity to acquire it and make it available to as many people as possible, right here, at the heart of our downtown core, which is so rich in history, heritage and culture.” 

In terms of history, it should be noted that the Play me I’m yours concept originated in England in 2008. Since then, it has caught on in more than 43 cities on every continent, reachng more than 6 million persons! 

Located in parks, train stations, markets and many other public areas, pianos are accessible to everyone. Many of these pianos are painted or graffitied by local artists. This worldwide initiative helps citizens appropriate their urban environment.  

In Rosemère, the task of decorating the piano was entrusted to Hugo Landreville, a mural and street artist from Blainville. This piano will be available to the public when weather permits and sheltered from poor weather conditions. 

"A piano located in an urban environmrent, close to inspiring nature and a magnificent river becomes so much more than just a musical instrument. It’s a hub where citizens can hear lovely melodies, and an opportunity for budding artists and others to express their passion,” added the mayor.

For the Town of Rosemère, this project is a good fit with its Culural Policy whose guiding principles recognize that the arts and culture are conducive to harmony, help forge social relations, and contribute to the development and expression of citizens.

"The public piano is also in line with the vision of my administration which, during the last election campaign, expressed a desire to enrich our cultural life. And, on a more personal note, as the mother of two children who are musicians, I am extremely pleased with this new, accessible cultural instrument, which promises to give rise to lovely moments,” concluded Mayor Leduc, before inviting to the piano Yasmine Berradia  and Anthony Cyr, two Rosemerites who were awarded the Québec Lieutenant-Governor’s Youth Medal.   

For additional information: www.streetpianos.com.

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Source:
Town of Rosemère

For information:
Michel Girouard
Director of Communications
Tel.: 450 621-3500, ext. 1243
Email: mgirouard@ville.rosemere.qc.ca