Peace pianist Martello pops up in Ukraine months after surprise Gezi protest concert

DONETSK

German pianist Davide Martello plays his grand piano outside the regional state building seized by the pro-Russia separatists in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk on April 21. AFP Photo

German pianist and composer Davide Martello, who surprised Turkish protesters by giving a spontaneous concert in Taksim Park last summer amid a severe police crackdown, has brought his piano this time to the tumultuous eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk.

As he did in Istanbul almost a year ago, Martello took his piano to the hotspot of the protest in town, outside a regional state building seized by pro-Russia separatists.

While playing for the crowd, Martello voiced his hopes that all parties involved in the crisis would find a peaceful solution to the difficult situation.

He said his presence was meant to help cut the tension between protesters.

Martello became famous for protesters last year when the sound of his music briefly replaced the sound of police attacks in Taksim Square during the nationwide protests to denounce government plans to redevelop Gezi Park.

The Italian-born artist was lucky to escape an intense crackdown on Gezi Park, but his self-made piano was not as fortunate and was “detained” by police for two days.

The piano was only released after two days of an apparently thorough interrogation and the payment of a fine.