Pianodrome is a spectacular recycling project and a unique performance space - a large amphitheatre built using only old and discarded pianos that were destined for the scrap heap. There are also three working pianos for those who want to play.
This is not the first Pianodrome - a theatre in the round was installed in the Pitt Market in 2019 and a 100-seater upcycled amphitheatre erected in the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in August 2018, but this is a new Pianodrome build at the Old Royal High School.
Originally started by band mates Tim Vincent-Smith and Matthew Wright in 2017, now over 100 volunteers have helped to build and run the project.
Not only to be admired as an interactive art project as such, Pianodrome is an active venue with a programme of 250 plus acts, as part of its "Summer Resonancy 2022" (1 July-11 September), scheduled across three separate month-long installations. This includes free lunchtime concerts, Fringe, and evening shows.
Pianodrome was a big hit when it launched at Hidden Door Festival and it's definitely worth a visit if you missed Pianodrome's earlier incarnations. It's free to just turn up and play at certain times of day - drop-in is between 12 and 5pm in July and September.
Pianodrome positively encourages play:
"There are three playable pianos incorporated into the Pianodrome - if you fancy a tinkle you’re more than welcome, you can investigate its ingenious construction or even bring along your own instrument and have a play. Or just come along to see what happens."
Pianodrome Times and Entry (check site for details)
July & Sept
Wed-Sun: Drop-in 12-5pm, free
Wed-Sun: 1pm, free lunchtime concerts.
August
Fringe programme includes free lunchtime concerts and evening shows.