A performance of ‘Imagine’ outside the Bataclan theater is going beautifully viral

In the midst of darkness, there’s always light to be found. Light can appear in many different forms. It can be found in a supportive pat on the back, in a reassuring smile, in a hug, a kind word. When you wake up and feel loved, that’s light. Light can also be conveyed through art and music. Pianist Davide Martello is taking it upon himself to bring some musical light to the streets of Paris.

The 34-year-old instrumentalist also goes by the name Klavierkunst. Earlier this year, he performed at the sites of the Charlie Hebdo attacks. He’s traveled to many other conflict zones, so he can spread hope through his music. The European Parliament even recognized Martello for his, “outstanding contribution to European cooperation and the promotion of common values.”

When the Paris attacks began, Martello was at a pub in Konstanz, Germany. After hearing about these tragic events, he instantly knew that he wanted to help, to shine a light through the darkness in his own special way. “I just knew I had to do something,” Martello told The Guardian. “I wanted to be there to try to comfort, and offer a sign of hope.”

Before long, the musician had his grand piano on a trailer as he made the 400-mile journey to Paris. “I phoned my friend to talk about it, got in the car and drove all through the night,” he explained.

With the grand piano hooked up to his bike, Martello solemnly made his way to the Bataclan theater, which was where one of the attacks occurred. A crowd began to gather the moment he slowed down, knowing that this man had an important message to share. Upon his black piano, there was a simple, white peace sign. After setting up, Martello quickly took his seat before the black and white keys. Without hesitation, he started playing John Lennon’s “Imagine.”

“I can’t bring people back but I can inspire them with music and when people are inspired they can do anything,” Martello revealed. “That’s why I played ‘Imagine.’”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4zZeTl3PCY

“You may say I’m a dreamer / But I’m not the only one / I hope someday you’ll join us / And the world will live as one.” – John Lennon

[Image via Twitter]