Saying Thanks with Music: Public Pianos Arrive in Porto and Lisbon

Since last November, Entrecampos station in Lisbon has housed a public piano, accessible for anyone to play. Critical Software donated the instrument to the community as a token of appreciation for their unwavering support throughout the company’s lifetime, as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations last year. 

The aim of the piano is to foster creativity freely and inspire the thousands of people who pass through Entrecampos and Trindade station to share their knowledge, energy and passion for music to effect positive change. 

‘As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we reflect on our humble beginnings and our steadfast commitment to learning and making a difference. Choosing to mark our anniversary by motivating others to pursue their dreams was a natural decision,’ says João Carreira, Critical’s CEO. 

The piano at Entrecampos station was made possible through a collaboration with Infraestruturas de Portugal, who provided the space for this initiative. 

Dr. Nuno Neves, Member of the Board of Directors at Infraestruturas de Portugal, said of the initiative: ‘It is with great enthusiasm that we agreed to collaborate with Critical Software in promoting this initiative. Railway stations serve as community hubs, where people gather and interact. By offering this experience to the thousands of daily visitors at Entrecampos station, we aim to enrich the cultural and social fabric of the communities we serve.’ 

Echoes of Lisbon's Melody: Introducing the Porto Piano at Trindade 

The Trindade metro station in the city of Porto was also adorned with a public piano, inviting the thousands of commuters to unleash their creativity. 

João Carreira again emphasised the communal nature of the piano and extended an invitation to all passers-by to make use of it: ‘Music has the power to inspire and uplift us, and we hope to inspire others to pursue their aspirations.’ 

The piano will be placed permanently at Trindade thanks to a close collaboration with Metro do Porto, who offered the space for this initiative.  

‘The stations and vehicles of Metro do Porto, through which approximately 300,000 people transit daily, serve as prominent platforms for art in the city and the region. Our longstanding cultural tradition has accustomed our passengers to encounters with music, performances, theatre, photography, and ballet. Each year, we host numerous artistic events, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming Critical's piano,’ says Jorge Afonso Morgado, Head of Communications at Metro do Porto. 

João concluded: ‘The pianos at Entrecampos and Trindade pulsate with activity and have evolved into meeting points for artists and everyday citizens from diverse backgrounds and social groups. Witnessing the diverse interactions has been truly heartwarming - from proficient players to curious experimenters, singers, dancers, and those moved to tears by its melodies. The pianos have truly taken on lives of their own.’  

This initiative will soon be replicated in Coimbra, the birthplace of Critical Software and the location of the company’s headquarters.