Professional dancer Chris Scott, a master teacher at Debbie Allen Dance Academy, performed during the launch of Sing for Hope Pianos Beverly Hills. (photo by Karen Villalpando)

In partnership with the city of Beverly Hills and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Sing for Hope Pianos Beverly Hills launched on Aug. 5 with a month-long program of public art and music programming featuring 16 colorfully vibrant upright pianos painted by L.A.-area artists.

The Sing for Hope Pianos will be on display in parks and other public spaces for everyone to see, play and enjoy through Sept. 6. The Sing for Hope Pianos will be located by the lily pond and art block in Beverly Gardens Park, and at Beverly Canon Gardens, Beverly Hills City Hall, the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau, Crescent Drive Mini Park, Greystone Mansion and Gardens, La Cienega Park, Hamel Mini Park, Reeves Mini Park, Rexford Mini Park, Roxbury Park, Two Rodeo, The Wallis, Wells Fargo Plaza and Will Rogers Memorial Park.

The launch event featured a special performance by 16 local pianists playing Bach in unison on all of the Sing for Hope Pianos, as well as a performance by sopranos and Sing for Hope co-founders Monica Yunus and Camille Zamora, accompanied by Wallis Executive Director and CEO Rachel Fine. Dancers from Debbie Allen Dance Troupe as performed, as well as pianist Bryan Pezzone, who performed “Lakmé” by Léo Delibes; Herman Jackson, who played a Motown medley; Tommy Coster, who performed “Europa” written by Tom Coster Sr. and Carlos Santana; and Wayne Linsey. Actor and activist Monique Coleman received Sing for Hope’s annual Art for All Award, recognizing her inspiring work as a cultural animator and her commitment to community and youth empowerment.

Mayor Bob Wunderlich, left, joined Wallis Executive Director Rachel Fine, Vice Mayor Lili Bosse, Beverly Hills Arts and Cultural Commission member Stephanie Vahn, Commission Chair Deborah Frank, Human Relations Commissioner Noell Freeman, and Councilmen Julian Gold and John Mirisch at the launch of Sing for Hope Pianos Beverly Hills. (photo courtesy of the city of Beverly Hills)

After the program concludes in September, the pianos will be donated to Jordan High School in Watts, Vanalden Early Education Center in Tarzana, Montebello Gardens Elementary in Pico Rivera, Dorris Place Elementary School in Elysian Park, View Park Preparatory High School in Hyde Park and George Washington Carver Middle School in South Park.

For information, visit singforhope.org/beverlyhills.