10/09/2025
I'd like to offer a very special opportunity. This is not an opportunity for everyone-- but for someone, it will be a dream come true. As many of you know I am staging a public art installation in Grand Central from October 6th through October 19th, called Dear New York. It is the largest event in the 112-year history of Grand Central, and the entire building has been transformed into a piece of art celebrating the people of this city. 100 percent of the advertising has been removed from the building and replaced with portraits and stories from Humans of New York. With more than ten thousand portraits and stories, I believe the HONY portfolio accurately represents the people of this city. But it was important to me, both spiritually and artistically, to share this iconic stage and canvas with other artists. I knew that Dear New York would never correctly represent New York unless its creators were as diverse as the work itself. In the end over 1000 artists contributed to Dear New York, making it one of the largest pieces of public art in history. Importantly, nobody was asked to work for free: Dear New York involved over $500,000 in direct payments to artists. Even the youngest student artists in Vanderbilt Hall are being given $100 gift certificates to independent bookstores. Which finally brings us to the opportunity: as part of Dear New York, Steinway has donated a Model D Concert Grand Piano, which has been placed in the center of Grand Central's main concourse. This is the most legendary piano in the world, in one of the world's most iconic public spaces. It is the rarest of events and God bless the MTA for allowing this civic gift. Juilliard has stepped up to provide musical programming for the entire two weeks of the installation. That is-- until 10 pm each night -- when this most legendary of pianos, in this most legendary of rooms, goes silent. In the spirit of Dear New York, I want to open up this stage to other New York pianists. (At least those who don't mind staying up late.) If you are interested in playing for one late-night hour, write to me at [email protected]. Obviously this piano must be treated with great dignity and respect, so please include a link to a video of you playing. (Please, nothing that needs to be downloaded.) Please also provide a link to your socials. But more importantly--- tell me what this experience would mean to you. Tell me why you love piano. All selected musicians will be paid $500 for a one hour shift. Please help spread the word to anyone you know who would love this opportunity.
