Having one hand would usually mean not picking the career of a concert pianist. But this is not the case for Nicholas McCarthy, nor was this the case for his hero, the Viennese pianist and famous one handed pianist Paul Wittgenstein.
Nicholas explores Wittgenstein's fascinating and troubled story of strength, determination and how his story inspired Nicholas to become the pianist that he is today.
Nicholas performs the monumental Prelude Op.23 No.5 by Rachmaninoff in a personal tribute to his piano hero in Paul Wittgenstein's home city. Also the city Wittgenstein debuted as a 2 hand pianist in 1913, one year before loosing his arm in WW1. Born without his right hand, piano star Nicholas McCarthy is at the forefront of British music talent, championing accessibility to music for all. Nicholas McCarthy’s musical journey begins at age 14 when he was told he'd never achieve his dream of becoming a concert pianist. Ignoring this advice and undeterred he became the first one-handed pianist to win a place at London's prestigious Royal College of Music. Recognising his exceptional talent and inspirational reach Nicholas was invited to perform to a worldwide audience of half a billion when he played alongside the British Paraorchestra and Coldplay at the closing ceremony of London's Paralympics in 2016. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx