About
An Evening of Music and Inspiration – In Support of The Amber Trust Following the heartwarming success of last year’s concert, we’re delighted to welcome you back to the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre this October for another special evening celebrating the incredible talents of blind and visually impaired musicians. Expect moving performances, uplifting stories, and plenty of moments that will stay with you long after the final note.
The Line-Up:
Derek Paravicini
Once described by The Telegraph as “the blind, autistic piano genius – who happens to be the Queen’s nephew”, Derek is a truly remarkable musician. With perfect pitch and an extraordinary gift for playing any piece in any key, entirely by ear, he’s been wowing audiences since he was ten.
Chapman Shum
You may have seen 15-year-old Chapman on Channel 4’s The Piano. Blind from birth and living with a range of complex disabilities, including speech and learning challenges. Despite these challenges, he achieved the ARSM Performance Diploma from ABRSM at just 13 – making him one of the youngest blind pianists to do so. A truly inspiring young performer.
Evan
Evan Tsang is a blind and autistic pianist who began his piano journey at the age of 1.5. Born with perfect pitch, he taught himself his favourite nursery rhymes and replayed on the piano every tune he encountered. As he grew, Evan began composing his own music, transposing songs into different keys, and creating accompaniments. Music is at the heart of his joy, and it is his way of communication and expression.
Rui
My name is Rui Nakajima, and I’m a 7-year-old boy. Thanks to Amber, I’ve been playing the piano since I was 5. I was born with albinism, which means I have no pigment in my body and have a severe visual impairment. I really enjoy playing the piano, and I’m so happy to join Amber’s concert with Chapman today!
Lily and Ashleigh
Lily is blind and autistic, and has been singing and making music since she was five years old. She is passionate about music, and loves to perform, singing as well as playing the piano and organ.
Ashleigh, aged 22, is blind and autistic with a bilateral hearing impairment. She also has perfect pitch and, besides piano, plays keyboard, saxophone, guitar, and drums. She is currently preparing for her Grade 8 piano exam. Ashleigh has performed at various venues, including the House of Commons and the Royal Albert Hall. Both Lily and Ashleigh have been supported by The Amber Trust and have often performed together as a duet.
Lilly
Lilly Kurata is a 20-year-old music student in her third year at Royal Holloway, University of London. Her passion for piano began at the age of 4, and she studied at the Royal Academy of Music Junior Department during her secondary school years. She has achieved her LRSM in piano and DipABRSM in violin, and recently received an award at Royal Holloway for achieving the highest solo performance exam mark in her year. Lilly plans to continue her musical studies at master’s level. Outside of music, she enjoys digital art, tabletop games, and travelling.
Mark
Mark Volasko began studying piano at the age of 6 and is now 12. He studies under Primož Kerštanj at the Doremi Music Center Bled, Slovenia, and works regularly with Professor Adam Ockelford. He also studies euphonium with Luka Einfalt, is an active member of the Mengeš Wind Band, and plays in two youth wind orchestras. Mark frequently appears on stage, both as a soloist and in ensembles, and has won numerous international piano competitions. Most recently, he won first prize with a perfect score at the 5th Online International Competition for Young Musicians in Zagreb, where he was also awarded “Most Promising Competitor.”
Special Film Screening
We’ll be showing Key of Genius – a short film about Derek Paravicini and his mentor, Professor Adam Ockelford. It’s a touching look at the power of music and connection. Watch the trailer here
Location
Riverhouse Barn
Manor Road
Walton-on-Thames
Surrey
KT12 2PF