Paolo Zanarella, the "out of place" pianist who tours Italy to bring people closer to music.

You'll find him everywhere, accompanied only by his inseparable piano: from concerts on the Bassano Bridge to the squares of ancient villages, passing through theaters large and small in Italy's cities. It was August 14, 2009, when Paolo Zanarella, 50, a business consultant with a lifelong passion for music, decided to bring his piano to the center of Padua, his hometown, for the first time and play for those who stopped to listen. Since then, he hasn't stopped, aiming to introduce people to music spontaneously, engaging them during concerts and often even improvising selected pieces. As happened that August day in Padua, when Paolo loaded his grand piano into his van, drove to the city where he was playing, and treated passersby to an unexpected concert. Countless people, after the initial shock, stopped to listen to the melodies of this special "Pianist Out of Place," as Paolo likes to call himself. His goal: to spread music and envelop everyone in its magic, especially those who can't easily attend a concert hall because—as Paolo reiterates—"Alone, we are a note. Together, we are a symphony."

From Treviso to Gorizia, passing through Milan, Bologna, Vicenza, Brescia, and Ferrara, the "pianist out of place" performs everywhere: you can find him in front of the Orvieto Cathedral, but also against the timeless backdrop of the Colosseum, at the subway exits in Rome, or on the beach in Jesolo. So "out of place" that he even performs in flight over Venice: a unique spectacle and a truly evocative performance that Paolo gave Venetians and tourists, circling with his grand piano above the Grand Canal.

Just as the concert Paolo held in Calabria, specifically in Lorica, suspended over Lake Arvo, was an unforgettable experience.

But it's not just Italy's most beautiful squares, train stations, and crowded sidewalks that Paolo's piano finds its place among the venues. He also hosts hospital corridors, where the music of the "pianist out of place" brings relief to patients and their families and puts a smile on their faces. Part of the proceeds from his concerts also go to charitable initiatives and associations that fund musical projects for autistic children, because—as Paolo explains—"the power of music is a great light of hope for them too." He adds: "I'm not a street artist, but rather an artist on the street. In the sense that I play everywhere, even in the street."

"The Out-of-Place Pianist" has recorded seven CDs of his own music and a series of videos available for download on YouTube, including the documentary film "Dinamic Music" about his artistic journey. He published an autobiographical book with Cairo Editore titled "The Music of a Dream," and Paolo receives countless messages every day: some thank him because his music has given their day a different boost, while others call his melodies "a gift for the soul." Furthermore, notes at certain frequencies can bring countless benefits to the mind and body. Known since ancient times, music therapy combats depression, allows autistic children to improve their communication and social interaction skills, and is a valuable aid for those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's. In the latter case, patients are often able to recall the songs and notes that have marked certain moments in their lives. Thus, music therapy becomes an important tool for bringing back memories and emotions.

Combining a careful study of sound dynamics and harmonic perceptions with direct contact with the piano, Paolo Zanarella launched his "Piano Benessere" project, a unique experience for rediscovering psychophysical harmony. A personalized journey during which music envelops the mind and body, unleashing energy and well-being. The power of music, then, to energize life, "the magic of a grand piano that becomes wonder and enchantment for all those who love to be amazed," and melody as a cure for the soul.

The images are taken from Paolo Zanarella's Facebook page

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