In 2013, Mauro ffortissimo began wheeling a piano, as covertly as one can, onto the bluffs near his Half Moon Bay home to play the same Schumann Arabesque at sunset each night. Those are the romantic origins of Sunset Piano, a project run by ffortissimo and Dean Mermelll that moves the instruments — upright and grand pianos alike — to unexpected places where professionals and amateurs may find and enjoy them.

Last year, after a commission from the SF Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park, Sunset Piano created Flower Piano there, locating 12 pianos amidst 55 acres of flora. The event was a hit, blending planned performances with impromptu improvisations, and so it returns again this year.





Once again, 12 pianos will be in place for 12 days, July 7 through July 18, for you to give them a tickle or a listen from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Scheduled performances are here, and admission is free for San Francisco residents with proof of residency. Members also get in free, and regular adult admission is $8





Flower Piano from Dean Mermell on Vimeo.

Previously: Scenes And Sounds From The First Weekend Of 'Flower Piano' In Golden Gate Park