We are thrilled to announce that the Leeds Piano Trail has been shortlisted for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award in the “Concert Series and Festivals” category.
Regarded by many as the BAFTAs for classical music, the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards are classical music’s annual good news story, shining much-needed light on inspirational individuals, groups and initiatives whose music has lifted hearts and minds across the nation.
The Leeds Piano Trail brings music to every street corner. In 2021, over 206k people experienced our pianos and sculpture trail. The outstandingly talented artists of Pianodrome handcrafted sculptures created entirely from recycled pianos and placed them alongside artist and community decorated playable instruments. Through performances, workshops, and art, the theme of the Trail highlighted the dangers of the climate crisis and our permanent piano trail has sustainability running through it.
Fiona Sinclair, Chief Executive of the Competition says:
“We are so excited to receive this prestigious RPS Award nomination. The Leeds Piano Trail has done so much more than bring music to public spaces in our city. The pianos reveal incredible stories of people from all walks of life and their connection to music – astonishing everyday talents that remain hidden in people until they find themselves at the keys of a street piano. We are delighted to shine a light on them and are grateful to the many venues, partners and artists in our community who make it all possible.”
RPS Chief Executive James Murphy says:
“With much recent reportage about funding cuts to the arts, what a story we have to share about classical musicians’ creativity, generosity and resilience. The RPS Awards shortlists represent thousands of musicians who devote their lives to uplifting, inspiring and uniting communities nationwide. We’re newly presenting the RPS Awards at the same time of year as the BAFTAs and BRITs, as classical musicians deserve as much recognition as pop acts and movie stars.”
The Leeds Piano Trail brings the Leeds International Piano Competition into the heart of the city every three years. 10 reclaimed and redecorated pianos have been permanently installed by Leeds artists and community groups, including Leeds MIND and Leeds Playhouse, and the Trail will see 1.8 million people experience the piano during Leeds 2023 Year of Culture.
We would like to thank everyone who got involved in the Piano Trail, our partners our partners University of Leeds, LeedsBID, Classic FM, Leeds City Council, and Pianodrome.
This year’s RPS Awards will be presented at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on 1 March, and tickets start at £10.