Sing For Hope Brings 16 Painted Pianos to Beverly Hills

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — This month, a routine walk down Santa Monica Boulevard could become spontaneously adorned with the music of a brightly colored upright piano.

That's because Sing for Hope is featuring 16 pianos designed by local artists in Beverly Hills throughout the summer as part of their annual interactive public program, Sing for Hope Pianos. The pianos have been scattered around Beverly Hills since Aug. 5 and will remain around the city until Sept. 6.

The non-profit organization partnered with the City of Beverly Hills and Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts to bring pianos to Beverly Hills City Hall, Will Rogers Memorial Park, Beverly Gardens Park and more locations. The kickoff event on Aug. 5 featured a public performance in which all 16 pianos were played at once at The Wallis.

“We're eager to hear our local musicians, neighbors, co-workers, and other fellow Angelenos play these pianos, which have provided blank canvases upon which artists share their creativity,” Executive Director and CEO of The Wallis Rachel Fine said. “Beyond solo piano playing, we encourage choirs, bands, all kinds of musical ensembles, even dancers to stage performances or jam sessions at the piano sites. Some may choose to seek out all pianos to experience them in every location, as well as the visual aspects unique to each instrument. The pianos are there to be embraced by and spark joy in everyone.”

After the program ends in September, the decorated pianos will remain in cultural hubs across the city like public schools and healthcare facilities.

Sing for Hope Pianos has appeared in cities across the world since the program first started in 2010 and has become one of the largest annual public arts projects in the world. Every year, local artists are chosen for each location by a panel of artists and community leaders.

“Los Angeles and Beverly Hills are beautiful, resilient cities and we’re thrilled to bring hope and healing to people in these communities as the country continues its path to reopening,” Sing for Hope Co-FounderMonica Yunus said. “Music and art bring people together, and as the world emerges from the pandemic, the Sing for Hope Pianos aim to share vital moments of joy, connection, and arts for all.”