Painted pianos, appearance by Sen. Jeff Golden, mark launch of Pianos for Peace Oregon
Anima Mundi Productions, a Rogue Valley-based nonprofit organization dedicated to “healing the soul of the world through the arts,” has partnered with Atlanta-based nonprofit Pianos for Peace to launch Pianos for Peace Oregon, a weeklong festival of painted pianos and free “peace through music”-themed events in Ashland, Oregon. The week will be capped with a concert on October 6 by Malek Jandali, the founder of Pianos for Peace and a Syrian-American composer, pianist, and peace activist who arrives in the Rogue Valley today.
Painted pianos come to downtown Ashland
Anima Mundi Productions installed two pianos in downtown Ashland on Monday, September 30. The first, featuring a “Garden of Peace” theme, was painted by local professional artists and is situated in front of the Black Swan Theatre on the corner of Pioneer and E. Main. The second was painted by Phoenix High School students and can be found in Lithia Park near the playground. Passerbys of all ages have expressed their delight to come across the pianos and learn that they can be played by anyone.
Anima Mundi Productions executive director Ethan Gans-Morse said, “The community has shown such a heartwarming response to these pianos. There’s a special kind of magic just watching how these pianos brighten people’s day through the gift of art and music.”
The pianos will remain downtown through Monday, October 7.
Free public launch event features live music and special guests
Anima Mundi Productions hosts a Pianos for Peace Oregon launch event on Wednesday, October 2 at 3:30 pm at the Thalden Pavilion across the street from Ashland Middle School on Walker Ave. This event, which acknowledges all the contributors who have made this program possible, will feature musical performances by world-class pianist and composer Malek Jandali, as well as famed composer Michael Silversher and the Rogue Valley Peace Choir. Malek Jandali will also present his annual Pianos for Peace Ambassador award to Oregon Senator Jeff Golden in recognition of a career dedicated to promoting peace.
Tickets to Anima Mundi’s Heart of Humanity concert series are on sale at www.HumanityTickets.com or by calling 541-833-3066. Information about Pianos for Peace, including both professional and community photos, at www.PianosforPeaceOregon.org
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Anima Mundi Productions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to creating, promoting, and producing original works that harness the power of art to stir the soul, foster community, and address urgent social problems.
For further press inquiries, please contact executive director Ethan Gans-Morse: 541-778-1211 or ethan@animamundiproductions.com
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