“It’s the story of a sailing trip around the world, with a piano on board.” For over a decade, Marieke Huysmans-Berthou has been traveling the world’s ports. Accompanied by her family, she estimates she spends “half the year” at sea. Towns and local organizations invite her to perform aboard her boat, the Lady Flow. “We made a hole in this schooner to get this upright piano through,” the artist explains, gesturing to the instrument that has been with her from the beginning. A customized pulley system allows her to maintain the piano dry in the hold during voyages, or on deck for concerts.
“All Pianocéan concerts are free, outdoors, in public places”
“What we have is our first year in the Caribbean, we arrived in Guadeloupe and are working our way up the Lesser Antilles,” Huysmans-Berthou elaborates, noting numerous performances in Northern Europe. Following performances in Saint-Barthélemy last week, the crew docked near the Marigot ferry terminal. Two concerts were offered on March 14 and 15, drawing large crowds. “All Pianocéan concerts are free, outdoors, in public places, often in ports […] These are places with a very strong social mix, which helps to break down cultural barriers and take performances out of traditional venues.”
Professional Pianist and Sailor
“With each new territory, I learn the language, the culture, the history and I create a lot of connections,” Huysmans-Berthou says, composing her songs while traveling and recording them inside the boat. She has released nearly ten albums since the start of Pianocéan. Traveling by sea allows her to take her time. “I chose it because it’s a slow mode of travel, which suits me much more than touring as I used to do.” The musician has been a professional pianist since the age of 20 and has dreamed of the Pianocéan project since she was “a teenager.” The Breton native trained in sailing at the Glénans sailing school, and then, with both skills in hand, began searching for a boat, the Lady Flow.
Marieke Huysmans-Berthou will perform this Thursday, March 19, at the Royale Marina of Marigot, starting at 7 p.m.
The unique concert series highlights a growing trend of artists embracing unconventional venues and immersive experiences for their audiences. Huysmans-Berthou’s journey exemplifies the power of music to connect cultures and transcend geographical boundaries.
