Sing for Hope

Sing for Hope's creative programs bring hope, healing, and connection to millions of people across the world. Westfield WTC has partnered with Sing for Hope to bring a beautiful & unique piano, painted by local artist Lance Johnson, to the Oculus this March. Join us for professional performances & open play time beginning Thursday, March 17th in the Oculus.

Lance Johnson

Art has the power to change the world. Art helps us express ourselves freely. Allows us to creatively share our perspectives and has the power to build bridges culturally, racially, and economically. As an artist, I am well aware of its power. I use my work to inspire people from all walks of life. Especially young people who live in urban environments. I want them to appreciate where they come from and to embrace the beauty around them but also aspire to greater things. I use vibrant colors, textures, and WORDS to inspire the viewer of my work. I use words like DREAM, INSPIRE, SHINE, LOVE, LIVE, CREATE, BEAUTY, PEACE, WISDOM throughout my work to affect emotions in the viewer. Growing up in the Bronx, I had no idea that I could actually be an artist as a profession. It was never an option in my mind. But when I was 14, my mother showed me a documentary called “I’ll Make Me A World” based on the art of the Harlem Renaissance. It was life-changing. I had never seen artists that looked like me. It made it seem real. It planted the seed in me. Now I hear this same thing all the time when I work with students of all ages. It never feels like a possibility to them but when they see me, it becomes attainable. That is always so satisfying to me. Art has absolutely changed my life. Art has taken me to parts of the country I never thought I would see. Parts of the world I never thought I would see. Art has the power to break down barriers. I recently traveled to Turkey for an art residency called NEXT LEVEL USA. Never in a million years, did I think I would have the opportunity to travel and share my work with people from across the globe. I lead workshops with local artists and the experience was so transformative. The highlight of my journey was when one of my fellow artists, Hazel, 38 years old, said that this was the first time she felt borderless and free. That is the essence of art to me.

The Piano - Evolve

I was beyond thrilled to paint this piano and to continue working with Sing for Hope. I’m always honored to be involved with the work you all are doing. Also honored and appreciate the opportunity to work with Westfield on this amazing project. To have my work in two of their amazing spaces is beyond humbling. I’m open to any ideas to help inspire young people in NY and LA. Appreciate the opportunity and support that you all provide for artists. I’m all in.

Performing Artists

As part of our Sing for Hope event, Westfield WTC has scheduled a variety of professional performances. In addition to those professional performances, our piano will be available for open play to the public:

  • Monday - Friday 11am – 7pm
  • Sunday - 11am – 6pm.

Amir Farid

Piano Soloist— Amir Farid Winner of the 2006 Australian National Piano Award, US born Iranian-Australian pianist Amir Farid has been described as “a highly creative musician – a pianist of great intelligence and integrity. He brings strong musical substance to all that he does, imbuing it with his own particular experience and understanding”, and who “in a well-populated field...distinguishes himself for all the right reasons”.

As one of the most versatile and loved musicians in Australia, the currently Australian-based pianist has performed concerti with major orchestras, collaborating with conductors such as Christopher Hogwood, Oleg Caetani, Johannes Fritzsch, Alexander Briger, Marko Letonja and Benjamin Northey. Highlights include Rachmaninoff’s 2nd piano concerto with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in front of a 13,000-strong crowd at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Mozart’s concerto No.14 with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and “The Mozart Dances” with the Mark Morris Dance Group and West Australian Symphony Orchestra as part of the 2015 Perth Festival.

Performing at:

  • Saturday March 19th - 12pm to 2pm
  • Saturday March 26th - 12pm to 2pm

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Sing For Hope Quintet

  • Matthew Oden, Piano
  • Hiroko Taguchi, Violin
  • Victoria Paterson, Violin
  • Philip Payton, Viola
  • Peter Sachon, Cello.

Performing at:

  • Sunday March 20th - 12pm to 2pm
  • Sunday March 27th - 12pm to 2pm

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