Channel 4 has kicked off the UK’s first 24-HR PIANOTHON at London’s Liverpool Street Station to celebrate the return of The Piano, as series three launches this Sunday at 9pm. The 24-HR PIANOTHON is a major (and minor) musical event featuring more than 50 performers in a non-stop show of live piano music, including a variety of famous faces.
Eurovision's Sam Ryder belted out his hits, including Armour and White Lies, while Brad Kella, winner of The Piano series two, performed a selection of his own compositions.The X Factor winner Myles Stephenson also showed off his talents during rush hour, with TV icon Gemma Collins stopping passers-by in their tracks as she collaborated with Keynotes Choir.
Other performers across the 24 hours included 15-year-old Harrison (@HarrisonPiano) who appeared in The Piano’s first series. A diverse array of pianists covering multiple genres from indie, R&B, dance and classical were also heard throughout the day, from classical pianist Tokio Myers to jazz sensation Ashley Henry.
Music lovers across the country can watch the 24-HR PIANOTHON by visiting:www.youtube.com/@Channel4/streams
Gemma Collins said: “I loved having the chance to be part of the PIANOTHON with Channel 4 and doing something a bit different. It was a chance see the GC in a new light. I was a bit disappointed I couldn’t ship my leopard-print piano into Liverpool Street Station, though! Music is about connecting with people and sharing moments of joy, and what is more joyful than surprising people in a train station with loads of brilliant music? Maybe this is the start of something exciting for me – watch this space!”
Amber Kirby, Director of Marketing at Channel 4, said: "A 24-hour piano concert at Liverpool Street Station is the perfect way to celebrate the launch of The Piano’s third series this Sunday. It is a unique opportunity to showcase brilliant performers playing their hearts out, as well as sharing joy and the incredible power and diversity of the piano. We’re proud to present this unforgettable moment where talent, passion and emotion come together to create something truly special.”
The Piano is Channel 4’s BAFTA-nominated and Broadcast Award-winning series. In the new third series, Claudia Winkleman returns as host, alongside mentor and musical maestro Mika and brand-new mentor, Oscar and multi-Grammy winning musician Jon Batiste. Locations featured in this heartwarming series are London Liverpool Steet, Brighton, Sheffield and Newcastle Central. Plus, for the first time, The Piano switches railways for runways at London Heathrow Terminal 5.
The Piano is on Channel 4, watch or stream from Sunday 13April at 9pm.
