Third Annual Sing for Hope Pianos Begins This Weekend in New York City

NEW YORK, May 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sing for Hope Pianos will return to the vibrant New York City streets this weekend.  Beginning June 1, for two weeks, 88 pianos will be available for everyone to enjoy in public spaces throughout New York City's five boroughs in support of the NYC-based non-profit Sing for Hope and its mission to provide "access to the arts for all." Sing for Hope Pianos is made possible through the generous support of Chobani, Inc., maker of America's No. 1 selling Greek Yogurt brand, and in collaboration with the City of New York.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130530/CG23533-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130530/CG23533-b)

From June 1 to June 16, the uniquely designed 88 Sing for Hope Pianos will be located in public plazas and parks for all to enjoy.  For many youth, playing one of the Sing for Hope Pianos will be the first time they've ever touched a piano or been exposed to a live musical performance.  In celebration of the project, Sing for Hope will host impromptu concerts performed by volunteer musicians, as well as other public events throughout the two-week event.

"New York City is the world's cultural capital thanks to our amazing artists, cultural organizations and innovative public art projects," said Mayor Bloomberg. "We are thrilled about the return of Sing for Hope Pianos, which will feature 88 public pianos – painted by artists and community groups – in parks and plazas across the City for anyone to play.  Dynamic installations like this help drive our economy, enhance quality of life, and attract visitors to explore neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs."

The pianos also serve as a beautiful display of visual art. Each of the 88 pianos has been individually designed by local artists, students, volunteers and notable supporters of the arts including chair, president, and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post Media Group, Arianna Huffington and her sister Agapi Stassinopoulos, as well as fashion designer John Varvatos.

"Sing for Hope Pianos is not only a large-scale work of art, it's a gift to the city, inviting us to explore the arts, share our songs, and tap into our own creativity," said Arianna Huffington.

To extend Sing for Hope beyond New York City, Stanley Piano, an interactive player piano, will be taking song requests via Twitter.  On June 1 and 2, Stanley will be performing from his post outside the Chobani SoHo yogurt bar, located at 150 Prince Street, and via live web stream at stanleypiano.com.  Song requests can be made by tweeting Stanley @StanleyPiano.

"Bringing Sing for Hope's vision of 'Art for All' to life through Sing for Hope Pianos is a testament to the tremendous support from our Sing for Hope team, volunteers and supporters like Chobani and the great City of New York," said star sopranos and co-Founders of Sing for Hope Camille Zamora and Monica Yunus. Yunus is the daughter of daughter of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus.  "It's our hope that we can inspire individuals to believe in the power of the arts and help make an impact in their own communities."

"Chobani is incredibly proud to bring Sing for Hope Pianos back to the streets of New York City for the third year. Giving back is in our lifeblood. Supporting Sing for Hope is a natural fit; our entrepreneurial organizations are both rooted in providing access for all—whether that's to the music and arts, or to nutritious, delicious food," said Hamdi Ulukaya, founder, president and CEO of Chobani.

Sing for Hope mobilizes more than 1,000 volunteers who donate time and talent to service programs that benefit schools, hospitals and communities throughout the year. Following the two-week summer event, the 88 pianos will be donated to New York City schools, hospitals and other organizations, wherein Sing for Hope will conduct year-round arts programming to enrich local communities for years to come.

This year, Sing for Hope has been honored with a Congressional citation by Congressman Jerrold Nadler, U.S. Representative for New York's 10th congressional district, for its positive-impact on the community.

Locations where Sing for Hope Pianos can be enjoyed are spread over the far reaches of New York City. A few include, in Manhattan, Astor Place, Central Park, South Street Seaport; in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Coney Island, Irving Square, Prospect Park; in the Bronx, Joyce Kilmer Park, Pelham Bay Park, St. Mary's Playground; in Staten Island, Clove Lake Park, Snug Harbor, Staten Island Ferry Terminal; and in Queens, Astoria Park, Flushing Town Hall, Jackson Heights. 

For additional information on Sing for Hope Pianos, including a map of all 88 piano locations, details on upcoming events, how to join Sing for Hope's roster of artists and other ways to support Sing for Hope, please visit singforhope.org. 

About Sing for Hope
The Sing for Hope vision of ART FOR ALL is informed by our belief that the arts have unique power to uplift and unite individuals and communities.  Our outreach programs in NYC's under-resourced schools and healthcare facilities demonstrate this every day, and the Sing for Hope Pianos are a summertime celebration that bring this to every corner of our city.  If you are one of the millions of New Yorkers who have played the outdoor pianos in Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and other parks and public spaces in the summertime, you know why Sing for Hope Pianos are NYC's most beloved public art project. Ongoing support for Sing for Hope is provided by Sing for Hope's Founders' Circle including The Arnhold Foundation in honor of Sissy Arnhold, The Anna-Maria & Stephen Kellen Family Foundation, and Ann Ziff.  For more information, please visit singforhope.org.

Sing for Hope gratefully acknowledges Golden Artist Colors for their generous donation of paints for Sing for Hope Pianos. With a mission much like Sing for Hope and Chobani, GOLDEN is dedicated to producing materials that encourage exploration of form and concept while achieving archival integrity. For more information, please visit goldenpaints.com.

About Chobani
Maker of America's No. 1selling Greek Yogurt brand, authentic strained Chobani Greek Yogurt, Chobani was founded on the belief that people have great taste, they just need great options. That is why Chobani produces only the highest quality, best tasting products made with only natural ingredients out of its New Berlin, N.Y. plant and its new one million square-foot production facility in Twin Falls, Idaho. As part of Chobani's nothing but good philosophy, it is committed to supporting local farmers and strengthening its surrounding area economies. Chobani uses milk from local-area farms and gives 10 percent of its annual profits to charities worldwide through the Shepherd's Gift Foundation, the company's charitable arm. All Chobani products are Kosher certified, made with milk from cows not treated with rBST and provide five live and active cultures and two times more protein than regular unstrained yogurt. Chobani products are available nationwide, and in Australia and the UK. Chobani is pleased to offer consumers a variety of nothing but good products: Chobani Greek Yogurt, Chobani Bite, Chobani Flip and Chobani Champions. For more information, please visit chobani.com or connect with Chobani on Facebook at facebook.com/chobani. 

SOURCE Sing for Hope Pianos