Quality of Commute
In the fall of 2016, Sing for Hope began a brand-new partnership with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to bring the iconic Sing for Hope Pianos program to the midtown bus terminal as part of its Quality of Commute program aiming to enhance the customer experience. The Port Authority Midtown Bus Terminal is located in the heart of Times Square. It is not only the nation's largest bus terminal, it's also the world's busiest.
Patrons can find two special Sing for Hope Pianos at the Port Authority Bus Terminal:
• The first Sing for Hope Piano, created by SFH Piano Artist Alpana Mittal, is located in the North Wing and is open and available for anyone and everyone to play and enjoy.
• The second Sing for Hope Piano, a baby-grand created by SFH Piano Artist Patrick Freeman, can be found on the PABT Performing Arts Stage, which hosts special rush-hour concerts by SFH Artist Partners for commuters to listen and enjoy.
The 2021 Rush Hour Rhapsodies Concert series has been made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
If you are interested in learning more about the Sing for Hope Pianos at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, please email us at [email protected]
Sing for Hope Ribbon Cutting 2016
A special ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in November 2016 to officially kick-start the Sing for Hope programming at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
"The Sing for Hope Pianos are symbolic of our mission of art for all, said the co-founders of Sing for Hope. "These pianos break down barriers between New Yorkers who normally wouldn’t stop and engage with one another. People stop, listen and share, and they start to engage with one another in very meaningful ways — just because of the piano. We are delighted that this special piano will be housed at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, where it will bring the gift of music to millions in an unconventional space."
Diannae Ehler, General Manager of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, said, “Through our Quality of Commute program we have partnered with bus carriers to improve the reliable, on-time arrival of buses. We are investing $90 million on improved amenities such as renovated restrooms, new entrance doors and improved cellular service. And now, at no cost, we are proud to partner with Sing for Hope to uplift the customer experience through music. We hope this will inspire commuters at the end of their working day.”
SFH Artist Partner performers at the ceremony included Monique McDonald, Michael Fennelly, Jae Han, and Neil Davis.
This special baby grand Sing for Hope Piano was designed and hand-painted by SFH Artist Partner Patrick Freeman, a noted visual artist and graphic designer whose clients have included Janet Jackson, Neiman Marcus and Virgin Records. Pianist Adrian Untermyer, a SFH Artist Partner, spearheaded the placement of the Port Authority piano after passing the empty space where the piano now stands. The baby grand piano was donated by Nancy and Allen Feldman of Manhattan.
From the Bronx to Beirut, the Sing for Hope Pianos program is a global arts initiative that creates artist-designed pianos; places them in public spaces for anyone and everyone to enjoy; then transports and activates them year-round in permanent homes in schools, hospitals, transit hubs, refugee camps, and community-based organizations. Sing for Hope has provided more pianos for under-resourced public schools than any other organization in the world.
This is the most important question of all, and the answer is a resounding Yes! The Sing for Hope Pianos are for everyone and anyone to enjoy. Have a seat and play — it’s all yours!