Could it happen here?

[french frank]

Prague

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9fHqTOYpm4&feature=youtu.be

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25391668

[Serial_Apologist]

Several upright joannas were installed in railway stations around London about a year ago, for passers-by to have a go on, ff. Usually some black kid is hammering out Gospel harmonies a la Jamie Cullum on the one at Herne Hill whenever I pass by, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if one of our local bobbies were to stop by and join in for a quick Chopsticks in the name of Communi'ee Relations, if you get me.

[french frank]

Yes, we've had pianners dotted around the place too, but I never saw a uniformed bobby thumping away at one; and I wonder if the Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset would admit that it did more for the force's image than he was able to!


Piano on Turbo Island (where else?)

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

there was one at Heathrow T3 and at ST Pancras last month

[Petrushka]

I once heard a Beethoven and Schubert recital on the piano in St Pancras Station before I had to hurry off for my train. I've no idea who the brilliant young gentleman pianist was but he drew quite a crowd and some appreciative applause. I remember thinking that I wouldn't have imagined so many travellers of all ages would have stopped to listen to some serious music.

[french frank]

I wouldn't have imagined so many travellers of all ages would have stopped to listen to some serious music.

But in my experience they DO. Which makes it all the more exasperating that the BBC doesn't just stick some regular concerts or recitals on television. I wonder whether taking one camera to the Wigmore on a Monday - when Radio 3 is broadcasting anyway - could provide a reasonable television programme.

[Petrushka]

But in my experience they DO. Which makes it all the more exasperating that the BBC doesn't just stick some regular concerts or recitals on television. I wonder whether taking one camera to the Wigmore on a Monday - when Radio 3 is broadcasting anyway - could provide a reasonable television programme.

Amen to all of that.

[Thropplenoggin]

But in my experience they DO. Which makes it all the more exasperating that the BBC doesn't just stick some regular concerts or recitals on television. I wonder whether taking one camera to the Wigmore on a Monday - when Radio 3 is broadcasting anyway - could provide a reasonable television programme.

Agreed it would make a perfect regular slot for BBC 4, perhaps with some Schiff-style lectures. Alas, I believe Sky Arts 2 beat them to it.

http://www.wigmore-hall.org.uk/about-us/news/wigmore-hall-launches-a-new-tv-series-of-chamber-music-broadcasts-to-include-iestyn-da

The timid Beeb doesn't deserve to succeed, does it?

[amateur51]

But in my experience they DO. Which makes it all the more exasperating that the BBC doesn't just stick some regular concerts or recitals on television. I wonder whether taking one camera to the Wigmore on a Monday - when Radio 3 is broadcasting anyway - could provide a reasonable television programme.

That's what Sky (ptui!) is doing with its Rosenblatt Song Recital Series, I understand. Nothing to stop BBC doing the same for Chamber music/instrumental recitals, surely

[visualnickmos]

But in my experience they DO. Which makes it all the more exasperating that the BBC doesn't just stick some regular concerts or recitals on television. I wonder whether taking one camera to the Wigmore on a Monday - when Radio 3 is broadcasting anyway - could provide a reasonable television programme.

Excellent idea - I am in total agreement.

[MrGongGong]

serious music.

Can we loose the "serious" tag ?

[french frank]

Alas, I believe Sky Arts 2 beat them to it.
[...]
The timid Beeb doesn't deserve to succeed, does it?

CURRR-SES. No they don't. They've got the Proms - what more would anyone want? ....

But OK. They have decent pianos knocking around the place. They have cameras. The audience isn't absolutely essential.

[Petrushka]

CURRR-SES. No they don't. They've got the Proms - what more would anyone want? ....

But OK. They have decent pianos knocking around the place. They have cameras. The audience isn't absolutely essential.

They also have five pretty good orchestras who could do some television work outside of the Proms.

[Flosshilde]

Lots of pianos round Glasgow just now, too. I haven't heard anyone playing them though.

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

...well the Mistreesses Saunders and Hodge appear to have the measure of the BBC

too many larcenous cronies stuffing endless committee reworking the review of the review and sending it back for the original question to be re-clarified .... swelp me these gangsters believe in themselves

ahemm ... yes a webcam or two at the recital halls ... all those lunchtime concerts in churches &c and at music colleges ..... and symphonic wind orchestras and brass bands and dance orchestras .... a whole new style of tv eh [new wave populist]