Two friends are combining with a local charity and one of the world’s largest film studios to bring spontaneous music to the streets of Kings Langley in memory of their late friend, Leti Preduca.
In March, Neli Christophorou and Caz Tully will oversee the arrival of a full-sized piano painted in the bright yellow livery of inspirational local charity Electric Umbrella, who have established themselves as one of the leading providers of music events, opportunities and classes across Hertfordshire for people living with learning difficulties.
The best friends are following up the sterling fundraising work they undertook in 2018 when staging Minifest, a festival designed to help fund the cancer treatment of their close friend.
While the Kings Langley resident sadly lost her battle against the illness in April last year, it is hoped the piano – which will be stationed outside the Dalling & Co – will become a fulcrum for people sharing not just a love of music, but also a sense of community on the high street and beyond.
Electric Umbrella was founded by Kings Langley resident Mel Boda in 2013, with the aim of increasing for people with learning difficulties the opportunity to perform and express themselves.
Last year the organisation played to over 20,000 local people in the form of gig audiences, workshops and other shows, and a piano at Watford High Street railway station has proved a popular focal point for amateur musicians of all backgrounds and demographics.
Neli explains: “When we first spoke to Mel at Electric Umbrella about the piano, we naturally started talking about Leti’s legacy – she would have loved the idea of community coming together to play and sing.”
Meanwhile, to give the village’s newest arrival the best chance of attracting, perhaps, a budding Elton John, the charity will be releasing its own single, Try Smiling, the video for which will be filmed by the experts at Warner Bros at the time of the March ‘piano push’, which will see it moved into place.
Sue Lacey, from Electric Umbrella, told us: “We are really all about the joy of meaningful social interaction and, at the same time, combatting loneliness and social isolation for those with learning difficulties; with sessions, a choir and projects that go out into the community wherever possible.”
It’s hoped the yellow piano will have a galvanising effect on what is already a very popular thoroughfare, with Kings Langley residents invited to be a part of the March unveiling. For more information please visit electricumbrella.co.uk
Pictures courtesy of Sue Lacey
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