Chen Siqi, Yu Meixi

vankochensq@163.com

AMONG performers eagerly anticipating their turn on stage at a concert at the Huaqiangbei Subdistrict Cultural Station Music Hall on June 30 was a man in a security uniform and a pair of camouflage pants. He was none other than Yi Qunlin, a construction worker who has previously gone viral with his public piano performances on a pedestrian street in Huaqiangbei, one of the world’s largest electronics markets.

“I first found the street piano when wandering with my colleagues at weekends,” the 57-year-old said. “It had been a long time since my last piano practice. I was so excited, wild with ecstasy,” Yi, who hails from an obscure village at Huarong County in Hunan Province, once practiced piano in his hometown when he was a young boy. “I am overwhelmingly moved, excited and very grateful to have access to a piano again.”

Unexpected, romantic and touching stories have been on stage since 2018 when a total of eight pianos have been placed on the 900-meter-long pedestrian street in Huaqiangbei, free for any passers-by to play. Music lovers nicknamed the municipal government’s piano program “Huaqiangbei public piano.”

It was first inspired by British artist Luke Jerram, who has placed more than 2,000 street pianos in over 70 cities around the globe since 2008 and designed the slogan – “Play me, I’m yours.”

A chance to start

The street pianos in Huaqiangbei are played by everyone passionate about music from gray hairs to curious children.

Wang Qihe, a 57-year-old decoration worker, was also a regular visitor to the street pianos.

“I always remember the date — Nov. 18, 2018 — the first day I came across here and knew about the public pianos,” Wang said.

Starting as an absolute beginner, Wang now can ceaselessly play a mix of several songs without pausing and music scores after four years of self-study. “I really appreciate the public piano program and am proud of what I have achieved,” he said.

In pursuit of art

One Sunday afternoon in June was the fourth time for Li Zhenlin to try the street piano in Huaqiangbei, who garnered waves of acclaim from passers-by.

Li, a tech company employee, started to learn playing the piano as a little boy. At 11, he passed the highest-level test for amateurs organized by China’s Musicians’ Association.

Although Li didn’t pursue to become a professional piano player, he still cherishes a dream to stage a concert  some day.

“Practicing with the street piano helps me stay still when performing. Piano playing is like a second creation of classical music for me, and I prefer not to be interrupted. Inspiration is transitory and one’s thoughts can just stop when hesitating for another,” Li poetically explained.

Music community

conveys happiness

Chen Zizai, 70, asked Wang for a piano accompaniment when Wang practiced in Huaqiangbei on June 18. Wang was a bit shy to accept the invitation from the elderly man; but they soon jived, playing duets of several classic Chinese songs.

“I like to invite someone with piano skills to play songs with me. I feel good spending time with like-minded friends and the younger generation,” he said.

Fans of the Huaqiangbei street piano program have formed a community. One or two amateur public concerts will be held every week, initiated by Yi Hongfeng, the administrator of a WeChat group of the program fans.

“I believe in the healing power of music. Music calms us down, makes us happy and helps us release our emotions,” he said.

“As a saying goes ‘Nothing’s as good if you don’t share it.’ So, I would like to spread the happiness from music to more people,” he said.