On May 17, 2014 I had the pleasure of playing a solo piano concert in a unique setting: a gallery overlooking the Duomo di Milano, one of the world’s most stunning cathedrals. Over the years I’ve been fortunate to perform in some very unusual places, and for me, this was one of the most breathtaking highlights.

My concert was part of the Piano City Milano Festival, and was held in the Museo del 900, a gallery for contemporary art. The day before, I went out to see a bit of the city. The most important place by far was the Duomo di Milano – basically the whole city orbits around it. My first thought when seeing it, was “oh, how I’d love to make music in a place like this!”

My wish was partly granted, when I found out the Museo del 900 was actually located directly in front of the Duomo. We went up to the top floor, and it was only 50 meters from cathedral’s facade. The piano was situated below a beautiful light sculpture by artist Lucio Fontana.

As exhilarating as it was to play with such a backdrop, on some level it also seemed impossible to play something that could really live up to such a piece of architecture. It was a different feeling, to make music while feeling both intimidated, in awe and yet inspired, rising and shrinking,  at once.

John Kameel Farah performs at the Museo del 900, in front of the Duomo di Milano, at the Piano City Festival, 2014

Many thanks to Sergio Maramotti and Giovanna Alfieri for their hospitality and the pictures.