Four donated pianos have been given a colourful makeover by young artists at Woordfees. They’re now on the way to making music again in places where they’ll spark joy and inspiration!
Stellenbosch, South Africa (13 October 2026) – Cape Piano’s Piano Graveyard Revival Project is like a rescue centre for pianos. It collects instruments that are no longer being played from homes and donors across the country, and gives them to schools and community organisations that don’t have one.
Last week, the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees hosted a four-piano paint activation with Cape Piano’s Piano Graveyard Revival Project, together with Baz-Art and the Piano Extravaganza production.
Four young Cape Town artists, Romi Frida Flowers, Muneeb Omar, Sanelisiwe Singaphi and Maximillian Goldin, were chosen to turn the donated instruments into artworks inspired by what music means to them!
All four pianos were donated by private owners, and all four will be rehomed with organisations and schools that need them. Two of the painted pianos starred in the Piano Extravaganza on the night and were handed over to their first new homes – Bridges for Music in Langa and Apex Stellenbosch Primary School.
Bridges for Music is a non-profit that empowers young creatives from under-served communities through programmes in music, creative entrepreneurship and well-being. Working from its school in Langa, it has enrolled nearly 800 students and created some 400 work opportunities.
It also runs the Creative Club, a daily programme for children aged 10 to 18, where creative activities help build confidence, connection and emotional well-being.
There are already pianos around the Bridges for Music campus, which students regularly stop to play throughout the day. The latest donation will bring music into the new facility, too.
Music is also part of the curriculum at Apex Stellenbosch Primary, from Grades R to Grade 7. The new colourful piano will give learners the chance to experience an instrument that many may otherwise never have access to. The school plans to use it during lessons, assemblies and performances, and even hopes to establish a primary school choir as part of a growing music programme!
“The gift of a piano has sparked more than just music at our school. It has ignited excitement, inspired creativity, and opened a world of possibilities for our scholars to discover and express their talents.” says Principal Tanya Schilder.
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There’s still more good news to come! The remaining two painted pianos are also destined for organisations or schools that could put them to good use, once arrangements for their placement have been made.
It’s all made possible by the people who have supported the Piano Graveyard Revival Project along the way. The private owners who have donated their old pianos and the volunteers and partners who have helped give them new life.
Cape Piano hopes to keep the key in kindness. The organisation is appealing to individuals, businesses and music lovers to help raise funds for the placement of the remaining pianos and to grow the project so that even more schools and community organisations can benefit.
Those who would like to donate an unused piano, contribute or get involved can visit Cape Piano’s website. The Piano Graveyard Revival Project also forms part of Cape Piano’s activities around the Cape Town International Piano Competition, taking place from 6 to 17 March 2027.
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