A captivating vertical piano performance took center stage during the closing ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics, leaving audiences in awe. The unique musician emerged from the ground amidst a shroud of fog, ascending gracefully into the air while playing a poignant piece titled “The Hymn to Apollo” at a striking standing angle. However, the broadcast commentary failed to accurately identify this extraordinary performer, raising questions about his identity. Here’s everything you need to know about the sensational vertical piano player featured in the Olympic festivities.
Who is the vertical piano player at the Olympic closing ceremonies?
The enchanting vertical piano player showcased during the 2024 Olympic closing ceremonies is Alain Roche, a renowned Swiss pianist, composer, and performer. Roche expertly intertwines his solo piano compositions with innovative music for dance and theater.
Not to be confused with a French soccer player bearing the same name, Alain Roche has pioneered his unique performance style, dubbed “Piano Vertical,” over several years. As highlighted on his official profile, Roche has undertaken 182 consecutive morning performances suspended from his vertical piano for the 2023-2024 season, celebrating the “blue hour” and encouraging audiences to appreciate the beauty of the sky. This artistic endeavor is inspired by his deep appreciation for the transformations found in nature.
The broadcast mistakenly identified Roche as Benjamin Bernheim, the French tenor who performed “The Hymn to Apollo” in collaboration with him.
This remarkable display during the closing ceremonies serves as a celebration of the Olympic spirit, invoking themes of rediscovery and connection to the past. Apollo, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, is recognized as one of the Twelve Olympians. The composition performed may echo the original “Hymn to Apollo,” attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer, celebrated for his works such as the “Iliad” and “Odyssey.”
