While they’re not always (or ever) the must well-tuned instruments since they’re exposed to the elements, they give people free access to musical instruments they may never get a chance to touch otherwise.
That’s why there are projects such as “Street Pianos,” in which UK artist Luke Jarram has installed and decorated pianos in 37 cities around the world. He estimates that over 100,000 people have played his instruments and over 1 million people have heard the music coming from them in the public squares where they are installed.
While we don’t think it’s one of Jarram’s pianos, one of those epic, impromptu performances we love to see took place in Lviv, Ukraine not far from City Hall in Katedralna Square back in 2013.
At the beginning of a fairly well-executed video from multiple angles, 3 boys walk up to the piano, but only one takes a seat.
It’s hard to tell if the man walking with them is asking him to play, but he seems to be the one responsible for the tip hat in view behind him.
Everyone seems to be smiling, so it appears not to be a forced performance.
According to the person who uploaded the video, the young pianist is Vasil Voitovich who many have called a prodigy.
Source: Screenshot via Alexander Christopher/YouTube
It’s pretty clear that this is no regular kid off the street, and a little searching digs up even more videos.
But that doesn’t take anything away from this amazing performance – it’s truly incredible to hear how well he plays at such a young age.
More videos of the boy (which end around 5 years ago) show him (under the name PKsenya) not only playing the piano but singing as well – and he’s also gifted in that area!
We only wish we knew more about him – hopefully he’ still singing and playing piano. He’s a wonderful performer.
It’s a shame we’ve stopped instilling the value of music in so many kids, especially in the US where it’s usually the first program cut in struggling schools. It’s a skill that teaches both discipline and confidence.
Be sure to scroll down below to see his street performance which has already accumulated over 6 million views on YouTube since it was uploaded in late 2013.