Blind musical savant pianist raises £1,700 for local cause (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

Blind musical savant pianist raises £1,700 for local cause

12:31pm Friday 12th March 2010

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A concert given by blind international musical savant Derek Paravicini in Reigate raised more than £1,700 for a local charity.

The virtuoso pianist performed at Reigate Park Church in aid of the Telephones for the Blind Fund.

Fellow performers in the evening of music and songs included Nick Shaw, who is also blind and has severe learning disabilities and autism, and Dunottar School's Girls' and Chamber Choirs.

The highlight of the programme was a performance by the pianist of a string of jazz numbers from memory, including several unrehearsed requests from the audience.

Terry Lamont, director of music at Dunottar School, said: “Derek Paravicini has the amazing ability to recall just about any jazz standard at will.

“The girls’ choirs found it most inspirational to watch such an extraordinary talent at close quarters.

“They were thrilled to perform alongside him and to have helped raise such an impressive amount for the charity.”

Mrs Jenny Culling, honorary secretary to the Telephones for the Blind Fund, said: “Ticket sale and donations raised more than £1,700 for the Fund.

“We are a unique charity that relies solely on public donations to provide phonelines for blind people on low incomes, and fund what can literally be a lifeline to emotional and practical support.

“We would like to thank the choirs of Dunottar School for helping to make the evening such a great success.”

Both Derek Paravicini and Nick Shaw have been blind since birth and have learning disabilities and autism.

They have been described as having ‘savant syndrome’ – a prodigious ability in one area despite severe disability otherwise.

They learn completely by ear and can recall and play any piece of music they have learned or heard many times before.

They regularly perform in concerts and charity events across the UK and abroad.

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