Bigger and more beautiful, Key Changes returns
Salt Lake City — Five pianos become one sculpture on June 5 at Abravanel Plaza as The Blocks Arts District, the Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation, and Salt Lake County Arts and Culture unveil Piano Assemblage Ensemble, a large-scale public sculpture by Utah artist Jason Manley.
“In 2024, The Blocks embraced our idea of asking artists to upcycle pianos for a temporary, outdoor exhibit,” said Kary Billings, Executive Director, Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation. “This year’s iteration is going to surprise and delight the community. We love the concept of bringing the artists and artistry from the stage to the streets, that is how you make classical music alive and accessible.”
At roughly nine feet tall and thirteen feet wide, the piece is built from deconstructed pianos — their keys, hammers, metal, and wood — layered over a welded steel armature, which bends into a curvilinear form visitors can move through and explore. The sculpture is interactive with one functioning piano built in which visitors may play for the duration of the installation.
“The design extends vertically and horizontally from a functioning piano, where piano keys stretch around the architectonic structure,” said Jason Manley, sculptor. “The form was developed organically, improvised based on the piano parts at hand, and visually orchestrated to create a sense of rhythm, movement and rotation. I was specifically interested in responding to the character of each piano, and thinking about their histories as once functioning instruments that were intricately hand-crafted.”
UNVEILING EVENT DETAILSWhat: Public unveiling of Piano Assemblage Ensemble followed by a free outdoor concert featuring local pianist (and 2026 Bachauer International Piano Competition competitor) Bennett Larsen. All free and open to the public.
When: Friday, June 5, 2026 | Noon
Where: Abravanel Hall Plaza, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Piano Assemblage Ensemble will remain on view at Abravanel Hall Plaza through September 8, 2026.
ABOUT THE BLOCKS ARTS DISTRICT
The Blocks Arts District supports artists, arts, and cultural organizations to enhance Downtown Salt Lake City for everyone’s enjoyment. The Blocks is dedicated to fostering creativity and community engagement through the arts.
ABOUT BACHAUER
Since 1976, the Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation has brought the world to Utah and Utah to the world. Our prestigious competitions, festivals, and concerts help undiscovered talents find new audiences and reach international acclaim. Each year, our educational outreach programs introduce thousands of children to the magic of music. A nonprofit foundation based in Salt Lake City, Utah, The Bachauer strives to enrich society by bringing transformative piano experiences to global and local communities.
ABOUT ARTS & CULTURE
Salt Lake County’s Arts & Culture division is a team of dedicated professionals with a passion to support and expand the County’s arts and cultural community. We are committed to fostering deep community connections through shared arts and cultural experiences, and we support this mission with our Spaces, Places, Services, and Programs, the Zoo, Arts & Parks program.
